The industry’s role while navigating the rise of GLP-1s and other weight loss drugs and helping those taking them.
The role of new weight management medications in enhancing lives and improving health outcomes is undeniable. Health clubs and fitness centers are increasingly recognizing the potential of integrating these medications with fitness programs to drive engagement and foster loyalty.
In the latest Thought Leaders digital roundtable discussion, Nina Crowley, the director of clinical education and partnerships for seca; Eric Durak, the president and founder of Medhealthfit; and Renee Rogers, a senior scientist at the University of Kansas Medical Center, shared insights on how GLP-1 medications can revolutionize obesity treatment and bring a new member population to fitness facilities.
These medications — which include drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide — are part of a new generation of obesity treatments that have shown remarkable efficacy in weight loss, making them a hot topic in the industry. But before you can program around the drugs, you must first understand how they work.
“One of the things we have to do in the industry and as thought leaders is to make sure trainers understand how these medications work,” said Durak. “One of the golden opportunities is being able to assess body composition on a regular basis. Not just body fat, but lean tissue and water. Now the club industry, and training in general, have the tools they need to help people.”
Measuring and noting hydration levels are important for those taking GLP-1s because of how the medication functions. By mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite and insulin secretion, these drugs help manage hunger and food intake. The ability to suppress appetite and enhance insulin function has made GLP-1 medications a game-changer in obesity treatment.
“GLP-1s don’t just work in one part of the body,” said Rogers. “We’re finding they work in multiple areas, and every day you’re hearing about a new thing they’re helping with. There are a ton of things because we realize these mimicked nutrient-stimulant hormones have the ability to target multiple areas of the body. We’re learning more, and this is an area we’re still trying to understand.”
Because the knowledge of the medicine is continuously growing and evolving, it’s important to remain correctly informed. Rogers emphasized the need to seek the opinion of qualified medical professionals and encouraged industry professionals to continuously seek out resources about GLP-1s outside of the fitness industry. Doing so ensures the focus remains on the people you’re helping rather than the medication.
“For continuing education, we tend to go to fitness conferences and to the zones we know,” explained Rogers. “But there are tools where you can learn more about patients and how to help patients with obesity beyond the scope of GLP-1s. You don’t want to be short-sighted by just thinking about the medication.”
This consideration should be kept top of mind when designing programming for those using GLP-1s.
The process should involve careful assessment and personalized approaches. Crowley noted how the introduction of GLP-1s has required professionals to think of the components of physical health — such as exercise, medicine and nutrition — more comprehensively. She also hopes this will encourage partnerships between health care facilities and clubs.
“I would love to see a partnership of a doctor’s office that may not have access to body composition partner with a facility that does,” remarked Crowley. “You don’t both have to have the same device, but you must have trust and a relationship. Health care providers have to be confident in sending a patient who’s never been to a gym before. The place they’re sending them must know about a patient’s medical history and what exercise they’ll need, but also make them feel comfortable.”
Treating each person with compassion and understanding their background and health journey is imperative. Because many people using GLP-1s for weight control often face chronic obesity and other health conditions, addressing their health concerns and goals must be individualized and handled with care.
As such, promoting inclusivity on all fronts ensures your programming is effective and your community grows stronger. It requires a shift of mindset once prevalent in the fitness industry toward those struggling with obesity. Challenging perceptions and adopting an empathetic approach can help you tap into this group in a way that both benefits them and your club.
“It all comes back to the recognition we’re not talking just about weight loss drugs and injections,” said Crowley. “The first thing to know for people who have obesity is that it’s not their fault. There’s a lot that contributes to someone’s story and history with their weight. It’s important that we treat folks as an individual and tailor a program that works for them because it’s that human in front of you that deals with the long-term effects.”
As the health and fitness industry moves forward, integrating GLP-1 medications with dynamic fitness programs and creating a supportive environment for potential new members is essential. By focusing on personalized care, comprehensive assessments and collaboration with medical professionals, fitness centers can significantly impact more people’s health and well-being, fostering a loyal and engaged community.
