By Claire Place, Member Experience Manager, ukactive
Last week, ukactive brought together members of our Strategic Partner Group (SPG) for an afternoon of discussion, collaboration and connection ahead of an exciting evening celebrating the best of the best at the 2025 ukactive Awards at the ICC in Birmingham. The event was attended by ukactive Strategic Partners and the panellist session was Chaired by Dr Sonia Adesara, alongside Sarah Berne (National Active Wellbeing Manager, Serco Leisure), Tanya Hall (UK Strategic Partnership & Tender Manager, EGYM UK), Mark Bagnall (Curriculum Manager, Future Fit), Oliver Patrick (Physiologist and Wellbeing Expert, Future Practice and Pillar) and Bryce Hastings (Head of Research, Les Mills).
The event provided a valuable opportunity for our partners and operator members from across the UK to meet face-to-face, share ideas and explore one of the most pressing topics currently shaping the health and fitness sector: the rise of weight-loss medications. We convened to discuss what these medications mean for our industry, what responsibility does the sector have and what are our next steps?
What was discussed at the event?
Bryce Hastings began the session by discussing the upcoming GLP-1 report from Les Mills in collaboration with ukactive. The report will offer a review of evidence around weight loss medication and preserving muscle mass loss, as well as analyse how the physical activity sector can provide holistic support for people taking weight loss medication, and the opportunity for cross-sector collaboration.
An overview of the current state of play
The panel discussed the role and rapid expansion of GLP-1, recognising that in the US, one in five adults are predicted to be using some form of weight-loss drug. It was also predicted that individuals taking weight-loss medication could lose an average of 20% of their weight, however, it was suggested that up to 20% of this weight loss could be muscle mass loss, and this can lead to frailty, increased risks of falls and injuries and reduced strength, which can have damaging consequences to your health.
A focus on strength and how our sector can support those taking weight management medications
Once these areas of impact had been discussed, the event provided an opportunity for those in the room to discuss how the physical activity sector – from suppliers and operators – can offer support to those taking weight-loss medications.
With muscle loss being an unfortunate consequence for many, members in the room discussed the importance of strength training and how their facilities could encourage more inclusive and safe strength training practices. Attention was placed on the importance of upskilling the sector’s workforce through tailored training and also making use of ukactive’s Safer Spaces to Move resources to help fitness and leisure facilities to continue welcoming and supporting different membership groups, such as those taking weight management medication, to help them feel more comfortable and confident within facilities.
An important outcome was the view among the panellists that our industry can support users’ mental health and help with the lifestyle and behavioural changes that will lead to the long-term success and effectiveness of these medications. It was agreed that the sector can not only support people that are currently taking these medications, but also those who have stopped taking it and are committed to building a lasting lifestyle change.
Why are these events important?
The session closed with a shared sense of optimism and commitment to ensuring the sector plays a proactive role in supporting people’s long-term health. As one attendee summed it up, “Exercise solves so many problems, these medications can’t succeed without us.”
Our SPG events form an essential part of ukactive’s mission to connect the sector, spark conversations that matter and collectively plan how we respond to major changes affecting the health and wellbeing of the nation. They often provide a first look at important work areas and provide ukactive Strategic Partners with a unique opportunity to build relationships and learn directly from peers, experts and thought leaders in a relaxed, collaborative setting.
For those interested in attending future Strategic Partner Group events that connect the sector, help shape the future of our industry and gain early access to insights like these, consider becoming a ukactive Strategic Partner or operator member here.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming ukactive and Les Mills GLP-1 report, launching soon! Accompanying the report will be further member and partner engagement on this subject, providing further opportunities to understand and discuss the implications and opportunities generated by GLP-1 medication.
