We know weight-bearing exercise is great for individuals taking GLP-1 weight-loss therapies. Now we know it's good for health systems.
New international research shows that exercise and GLP-1 therapy can deliver significant health and economic benefits. The findings suggest this combination can improve long-term health outcomes while reducing future healthcare costs.
Researchers found that exercise and GLP-1 therapy could generate $182 million in health and economic value for Australia over the next 10 years. This represents a 59 per cent return on investment. Over 30 years, the value could increase to $1.4 billion, delivering a 457 per cent return on investment.
These findings are particularly important as Australia continues to face rising rates of overweight and obesity. Chronic conditions already account for an estimated $98 billion in annual health expenditure.
Why Exercise and GLP-1 Therapy Work Together
GLP-1 medications have changed the way obesity and weight management are treated. However, maintaining weight loss after treatment ends remains a major challenge.
Research shows that around half of GLP-1 users stop treatment within the first year. More than 70 per cent discontinue treatment within two years. As a result, many people regain weight after stopping medication. In fact, patients can regain approximately two-thirds of the weight they initially lost within the first year.
This is where exercise and GLP-1 therapy can work together. Structured exercise supports long-term weight maintenance. It can also help preserve muscle mass, strength, mobility and bone health during weight loss.
Benefits of Exercise and GLP-1 Therapy
According to the research, exercise and GLP-1 therapy can:
- Generate $182 million in health and economic value over 10 years
- Deliver a 59 per cent return on investment within 10 years
- Generate $1.4 billion in value over 30 years
- Deliver a 457 per cent return on investment over 30 years
- Improve long-term health outcomes
- Reduce future healthcare costs
- Preserve muscle mass, strength, mobility and bone health
- Improve long-term weight maintenance
- Reduce weight regain after treatment ends
- Prevent hundreds of serious health events, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure
- Reduce the need for knee and hip replacements
A Call to Integrate Exercise and GLP-1 Therapy
In response to the findings, AUSactive has joined leading industry organisations from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, they are calling for exercise and GLP-1 therapy to be formally integrated into weight management pathways.
The organisations are urging policymakers to:
- Build referral pathways between healthcare professionals and exercise providers
- Support access to qualified exercise professionals and fitness facilities
- Measure outcomes beyond weight loss, including long-term health and economic benefits
AUSactive CEO Ken Griffin said the findings reinforce what the industry has long known about the value of movement.
“We've always known exercise is good for health. What's becoming impossible to ignore is that it's also good economics.”
He added: “If we're serious about tackling obesity, chronic disease and long-term health outcomes, medication, movement and behaviour change need to work together.”
As demand for GLP-1 therapies continues to grow, the evidence is clear. Exercise and GLP-1 therapy are more effective when combined. Structured exercise is not an optional extra. It is an essential part of sustainable weight management and better long-term health outcomes.
Interested in the full research findings and industry recommendations?
Read the complete AUSactive media release to learn how combining structured exercise with GLP-1 therapies could improve long-term health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and deliver significant economic value for Australia.
