On 15 October, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announced the rollout of GLP-1 to help get people back into work as a measure to address the severest forms of obesity across the UK. The “eligible population” amounts to millions, and though not everyone will be offered the drug, it is expected to be taken up by a large number of the population.
As part of the announcement, the Health Secretary spoke of the importance of exercise as part of this solution, to which ukactive and CIMSPA responded with the central message that these drugs can only be successful if they are utilised in a holistic and sustainable way alongside a good diet and physical activity.
As with any new medication coming onto the market, there is more to learn about its impact, and the physical activity sector can have a significant role to play in helping to build and deliver a safe and sustainable approach to health that continues to support the population, working alongside and complimentary to GLP-1 and other pharmaceutical solutions.
ukactive and CIMSPA will work to support the sector as this new approach to weight-loss takes its place in the market.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a weight loss drug that helps to suppress appetite and has been identified as a solution to address the severest forms of obesity across the UK.
Exactly what is most appropriate for an individual is down to health care professionals to advise, in discussion with patients, and considering relevant clinical guidance.
Medications like these undoubtedly impact how people feel and move, and as ukactive and CIMSPA continue to understand the impact GLP-1 has for users and the operational implications it could have for the sector, the following areas are being prioritised to support members:
ukactive and CIMSPA will be focusing on three main areas:
- Working with the Government, NHS, and other agencies on the development of a full prevention strategy with physical activity at its core
The Government knows that GLP-1 isn’t a panacea. Exercise and weight loss drugs are not mutually exclusive and should be viewed as complimentary to one another.
Therefore, ukactive and CIMSPA will continue to consult with these external agencies to ensure the physical activity sector is included as part of GLP-1 users sustained health improvement journey.
- The development of support for facilities
Support materials will be developed to give operators confidence to welcome members taking GLP-1 into facilities, and to understand any potential extra measures they may need to take into consideration.
This guidance will be complementary to medical advice given by health professionals and will be developed in consultation with representatives from the healthcare and charity sectors.
- The development of workforce training and guidance
Working with CIMSPA and education partners, we will support the development of workforce training, to empower exercise professionals within the sector to support users of GLP-1 who may be using a facility.
This will include scoping the potential for the development of specific programmes to cater for GLP-1 users and encourage them to build sustainable, long-term habits.
ukactive and CIMSPA will continue to update members on any further developments.
More People More Active More Often
