Joint statement from the World Obesity Federation, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, Fitness Industry Council of Canada, ukactive, and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry outlines a global framework for integrating prevention, treatment, and long-term health outcomes
WASHINGTON, DC, March 31, 2026 - The World Obesity Federation, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, Fitness Industry Council ofCanada, ukactive, and World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry todayreleased a joint position statement calling on governments, health systems, andinternational institutions to ensure that as obesity medications - including GLP-1therapies - are scaled globally, they are supported by subsidized, 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 organizations emphasize that while obesity medications represent a significant clinical advancement, they must be deployed within comprehensive, integrated care models that prioritize 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 organizations 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 organizations 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 (which can be accessed here) 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 programs
- 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 recognize the value of prevention
Emma Zwiebler, CEO, World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) CEO commented:
“As the industry that moves the world, we welcome World Obesity’s joint position statement putting integrated lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, as an essential element of care in the use of obesity medications. Growing sport, physical activity and movement is a strategic priority for our 150+ World Federation of the Sporting Goods members who are committed to driving unified and systemic impact to empower more people be physically active and enjoying the health benefits that brings.We stand ready to collaborate on the actions outlined in the World Obesity Federation Joint Statement and are ready to play our part in improving the long-term health outcomes of nearly three billion adults worldwide who are overweight or living with obesity.”
Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Obesity Federation; "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."
Ken Griffin, CEO, AUSactive: “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, Exercise New Zealand: “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.”
opportunity to build a safe and effective intervention, but it needs to be holistic.”
Zach Weston, Executive Director, Fitness Industry Council of Canada: "As we navigate this new era of clinical obesity treatments, we must recognize 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, weensure that patients aren't just losing weight, but are gaining the strength and long-term vitality necessary for a healthier life.”
Huw Edwards, CEO, ukactive: “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.”
A Global Call to Action
As global leaders representing the health and fitness sector and the obesity community, the undersigned organizations and the World Obesity Federation commit to advancing evidence-based, integrated approaches that combine medication with physical activity and nutrition support. Together, we will work with governments and key stakeholders to strengthen policies, systems, and outcomes that improve population health.
The organizations underscore that investment in physical activity and nutrition benefits not only individuals receiving obesity treatment, but entirepopulations - making it central to both prevention and long-term health system sustainability.
Media Contacts
World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry WFSGI: Linda Murphy +34 625 21 57 14, lmurphy@wfsgi.org
World Obesity Federation: Ellie Needs, +44 (0)7511 165 247, comms@worldobesity.org
Health & Fitness Association: Lia Palazzo, +1 202-792-8558, pr@healthandfitness.org
AUSactive: Niki Waldegrave, +61 410 898 863, niki@waldecomms.com
Exercise New Zealand: Richard Beddie, +64 27 520 5744, richard@exercisenz.org.nz
Fitness Industry Council of Canada: Erin Phelan, +1 416-822-8621, communications@ficdn.ca
ukactive: Charlotte Greenwood, +44 (0)20 8158 9723, press@ukactive.org.uk
