Gyms and leisure centres could play an increasingly important role in supporting people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications, following new guidance from England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty.

As part of updated UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines, published on 10 July, Whitty and his counterparts across the four UK nations have, for the first time, highlighted the importance of resistance training for people using GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The guidance warns that while the drugs can be highly effective for weight loss, users should undertake strength-based exercise to help preserve muscle mass as body weight decreases. The recommendation reflects growing evidence that rapid weight loss can include the loss of lean muscle unless it is supported by resistance exercise and adequate nutrition.

Writing to mark the publication of the updated guidelines, Whitty said: 'Many people have started GLP-1 agonist drugs for diabetes and weight loss and it is important those taking the drugs concentrate on strength as weight decreases to protect muscle.'

The revised guidance also places greater emphasis on reducing sedentary behaviour, maintaining strength and balance throughout life, and reinforcing the message that even small increases in physical activity can deliver significant health benefits. The long-standing recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week remains unchanged.

The recommendations are likely to reinforce a trend already emerging across the fitness sector, with operators increasingly tailoring services to people taking GLP-1 medications.

For gyms and leisure centres, the updated guidance provides further validation for supervised resistance training programmes, induction sessions focused on strength equipment, small-group weight-training classes, and personal training designed specifically for people undergoing medically supported weight loss.

As NHS prescribing of GLP-1 medicines continues to expand, operators may also see opportunities to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers through referral programmes and exercise pathways that help patients maintain muscle mass alongside weight loss.

The guidance underlines that gyms are no longer simply destinations for calorie burning, but an increasingly important part of long-term health management.

The updated recommendations are based on a substantial body of new evidence reviewed since the previous guidance was published in 2019. The Chief Medical Officers describe physical activity as a 'miracle cure' because of its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia, while also helping people maintain independence as they age.