ukactive and CIMSPA work together on sector’s approach to GLP-1

Industry bodies ukactive and CIMSPA have revealed plans to work together in developing a unified sector approach to weight loss drug, GLP-1.

The announcement comes two weeks after the UK 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 proportion of the population.

ukactive and CIMSPA have now revealed three key areas in which they will work to support the sector as this new approach to weight-loss takes its place in the market.

The three areas are: l Working with the Government, NHS, and other agencies on the development of a full prevention strategy with physical activity at its core l The development of support for facilities l The development of workforce training and guidance.

In a joint statement, ukactive and CIMSPA said: “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 external agencies to ensure the physical activity sector is included as part of GLP-1 users’ sustained health improvement journey.

“We will also develop support materials to give operators confidence to welcome members taking GLP-1 into their facilities, and to understand any potential extra measures they may need to take into consideration.

“This guidance will be complimentary to medical advice given by health professionals and will be developed in consultation with representatives from the healthcare and charity sectors. We will also support the development of workforce training.”