Global health and fitness leaders call for physical activity and nutrition to be central to the obesity medication rollout.

Joint statement from the World Obesity Federation, ukactive, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, Fitness Industry Council of Canada, outlines a global framework for integrating prevention, treatment, and long-term health outcomes.

The World Obesity Federation, ukactive, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, and Fitness Industry Council of Canada today released a joint position statement calling on governments, health systems, and international institutions to ensure that as obesity medications – including GLP-1 therapies – are scaled globally, they are supported by subsidised, integrated lifestyle interventions, with physical activity and nutrition embedded as essential elements of care.

With nearly three billion adults worldwide who are overweight or living with obesity – a figure projected to rise to four billion by 2035 – the organisations emphasise that while obesity medications represent a significant clinical advancement, they must be deployed within comprehensive, integrated care models that prioritise long-term health outcomes. They are not a standalone solution.

The joint statement warns that reliance on medication alone may lead to poor long-term outcomes, including loss of muscle mass, diminished functional capacity, and widening health inequalities if access to supportive services is limited.

Instead, the organisations call for a ‘wraparound’ approach that combines pharmacological treatment 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 well-being.”

The statement outlines key actions for global policymakers and health system leaders, including:

• Embedding obesity medications within integrated care models that include funded access to physical activity and nutrition support.

• Protecting and expanding investment in prevention infrastructure and community-based programmes.

• Ensuring equitable access to both treatment and supportive services.

• Measuring outcomes beyond weight, including functional health and long-term maintenance.

• Aligning health and economic policy to recognise the value of prevention.

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.”

A global call to action.

As global leaders representing the health and fitness sector and the obesity community, the undersigned organisations and the World Obesity Federation commit to advancing evidence-based, integrated approaches that combine medication with physical activity and nutrition support.

Together, we will collaborate with governments and key stakeholders to enhance policies, systems, and outcomes that promote population health.

The organisations underscore that investment in physical activity and nutrition benefits not only individuals receiving obesity treatment, but entire populations –making it central to both prevention and long-term health system sustainability.

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.”