AUSactive Takes the GLP-1 Exercise Conversation to Parliament
AUSactive brought together industry leaders, researchers and politicians at Parliament House to discuss GLP-1 weight loss medications and the essential role of exercise.
The GLP-1 Parliamentary Breakfast focused on how structured, weight-bearing exercise can help protect muscle and bone during weight loss.
It also highlighted the need to make exercise a standard part of weight loss and chronic disease care.
A Personal Perspective on Weight Loss
The breakfast was addressed by Dan Repacholi, a Member of Parliament from the Hunter region of NSW.
Dan is a five-time Australian Olympian and a six-time Commonwealth Games medallist. He also spoke openly about his own experience with weight and health.
Despite having access to expert advice, Dan shared how he still found himself overweight and ashamed of his health and appearance.
He spoke about his experience using GLP-1 medications and his subsequent 35kg weight loss.
Dan also discussed the ups and downs of the process. Importantly, he highlighted the benefits of exercise and the need to provide better support for people who cannot easily access the right care.
Why Exercise Matters With GLP-1 Medications
More than 500,000 Australians are currently using GLP-1 medications.
These medications can support weight loss. However, AUSactive is calling for structured exercise to be considered an essential part of the treatment approach.
In particular, weight-bearing exercise can help protect muscle and bone during weight loss.
Pairing regular, structured exercise with GLP-1 weight loss medications could also deliver significant benefits for Australia's health system.
According to research conducted by AUSactive, combining GLP-1 medication with exercise could:
- Generate $1.4 billion in health and economic value over 30 years.
- Prevent 145 heart attacks.
- Prevent 143 strokes.
- Prevent 160 cases of heart failure.
- Avoid 1,155 knee replacements.
- Avoid 614 hip replacements.
- Lower long-term healthcare costs.
- Improve quality of life.
Addressing Australia's Growing Health Challenge
The need for a combined approach comes as Australia faces a growing burden of chronic disease.
Australia's Health 2026, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), shows that obesity has overtaken smoking as Australia's leading preventable cause of illness and early death.
The report also highlights the significant impact of preventable risk factors. Around 36% of Australia's chronic disease burden could be prevented or reduced by addressing these risks.
As a result, AUSactive is making a fresh call for exercise to become a standard part of weight loss and chronic disease treatment.
Movement Needs to Be Part of the Prescription
AUSactive CEO Ken Griffin said the health system needs to recognise exercise as an essential part of care.
“If medication is one prescription, movement needs to be the other. It's time to formally embed exercise into GLP-1 and chronic disease care pathways.”
He also highlighted the broader value of combining medication with exercise.
“We've always known that weight-bearing exercise is good for people using GLP-1s. Now we know it's good for the health system too.”
A Stronger Role for Exercise in Healthcare
The GLP-1 Parliamentary Breakfast reinforced the importance of bringing medication and exercise together in weight loss care.
For people using GLP-1 medications, structured exercise can play an important role in supporting their health during weight loss.
AUSactive will continue advocating for exercise to be formally recognised as part of GLP-1 and chronic disease care pathways.
