Global health and fitness leaders are urging governments to make physical activity and nutrition central to the rollout of obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies.
In a joint statement, the World Obesity Federation, ukactive, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada call for these treatments to be supported by subsidised, integrated lifestyle interventions.
With nearly three billion adults worldwide overweight or living with obesity, rising to four billion by 2035, the group says medications are a major clinical advance but not a standalone solution. They warn that relying on drugs alone risks poorer long-term outcomes, including muscle loss, reduced functional capacity and widening health inequalities.
Instead, they call for a ‘wraparound’ approach combining medication with sustained investment in physical activity, nutrition and supportive environments.
‘Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response,’ the organisations state. ‘Medications can play an important role, but they are not a standalone solution. Their success will depend on whether they are integrated into systems that support prevention, long-term behaviour change, and overall wellbeing.’
The statement urges policymakers to:
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: ‘The global rise of obesity medications must not be viewed as a substitute for physical activity and nutrition when in fact it heightens the need for these vital elements.
‘Research shows the risks of relying solely on weight-loss drugs and the critical need for physical activity and nutrition to form part of every treatment programme.
‘This represents a huge opportunity in the UK and globally for our political leaders to integrate physical activity, nutrition and medication to combat obesity and the harm it causes.
‘We have the infrastructure of gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres and other fitness services in every community, ready to support GLP-1 patients during and after treatment.’
Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation, said: ‘GLP-1 therapies are an important advance in obesity care, but they cannot succeed in isolation.
‘People with obesity demand and deserve access to good nutrition and physical activity support and advice, to support lasting rather than short-term health improvements.
‘Governments must ensure these treatments are embedded within comprehensive, person-centred systems of care.’
Liz Clark, President and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association, said: ‘The emergence of effective obesity medications marks a pivotal moment in global health, but it also presents a critical choice.
‘We can treat obesity as a short-term clinical intervention, or we can build systems that deliver lasting health outcomes.
‘Physical activity and nutrition are not optional add-ons; they are foundational to safety, effectiveness, and long-term success.
‘This is an opportunity to properly position our sector as an essential partner in prevention and care while ensuring individuals retain the freedom to engage in physical activity in the environments where they feel most comfortable.’
The organisations say they will work with governments to advance integrated, evidence-based approaches that combine medication with lifestyle support, improving outcomes for individuals and population health.
Ken Griffin, CEO of AUSactive, said: ‘New obesity medications are an active challenge to health systems.
‘If wraparound supports are provided, these medications can deliver long-term health benefits.
‘Governments must now decide whether they treat obesity in the short-term or invest to deliver enduring health outcomes.
‘Physical activity and nutrition supports are essential, not optional, and the exercise and active health sector is ready to play its role as an essential partner to safely improve population health.’
Richard Beddie, CEO of Exercise New Zealand, said: ‘It’s clear GLP-1 therapies can be a significant tool in addressing obesity.
‘However, if it’s not paired with strength training and other lifestyle changes, the result will be increased long-term health costs for the health system and worse health outcomes for individuals.
‘We have the opportunity to build a safe and effective intervention, but it needs to be holistic.’
Zach Weston, Executive Director of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, said: ‘As we navigate this new era of clinical obesity treatments, we must recognise that medication is only one piece of the puzzle.
‘For these therapies to deliver true, sustainable health outcomes, they must be anchored by the professional guidance and supportive environments found in our fitness centres.
‘Our facilities are more than just places to exercise; they are essential community hubs for maintaining the muscle mass and functional capacity that are often at risk during rapid weight loss.
‘By integrating fitness infrastructure into the global rollout of these medications, we ensure that patients aren’t just losing weight but are gaining the strength and long-term vitality necessary for a healthier life.’
