New position statement: physical activity and nutrition must be central to obesity care
The World Obesity Federation, together with a growing coalition of global partners - the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, and ukactive - has released a new joint position statement calling for physical activity and nutrition to be embedded at the centre of obesity care.
The expanded partnership reflects increasing global alignment across the obesity, health and fitness sectors on how obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies, should be implemented. As their use grows worldwide, the statement makes clear that these treatments must be delivered within comprehensive, integrated care models that prioritise long-term health outcomes.
Obesity care must go beyond medication
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease driven by biological, environmental, social and commercial factors. While new pharmacological treatments represent an important advance, they are not a standalone solution.
We are clear: medication alone will not deliver lasting or equitable outcomes.
The statement highlights the risks of relying on medication in isolation, including loss of muscle mass, reduced functional capacity, and widening inequalities where access to supportive services is limited. Instead, we call for a “wraparound” approach - combining medication with sustained investment in physical activity, nutrition, and supportive environments.
"GLP-1 therapies are an important advance in obesity care, but they cannot succeed in isolation. People with obesity deserve access to nutrition and physical activity support that enables lasting health improvements." Johanna Ralston CEO, World Obesity Federation
Physical activity: essential for prevention and management
The position statement reinforces that physical activity and nutrition are essential components of both prevention and treatment.
They are critical not only for supporting safe and effective use of medication - including maintaining muscle mass and improving metabolic health - but also for delivering broader benefits for mental wellbeing, functional health and quality of life.
Importantly, investment in these areas benefits the entire population, not only those receiving treatment, making them central to both prevention and long-term health system sustainability.
Read the statement
A call for integrated, equitable systems
The joint statement sets out a clear direction for governments, health systems and international institutions. It calls for:
- Integration of obesity medications within care models that include funded access to physical activity and nutrition support;
- Protection and expansion of investment in prevention and community-based programmes;
- Equitable access to both treatment and supportive services;
- Measurement of outcomes beyond weight, including functional health and long-term wellbeing;
- Alignment of health and economic policy to recognise the value of prevention.
Together, these actions reflect a broader shift - recognising obesity as a systems challenge that requires coordinated, multisectoral responses.
A critical moment for global health
With nearly three billion adults worldwide living with overweight or obesity, rising to a projected four billion by 2035, the decisions taken now will shape health outcomes for decades to come.
We see this as a critical moment. The emergence of new treatments offers an opportunity - not just to expand care, but to build stronger, more equitable systems that integrate prevention, treatment and long-term support.
As a global coalition spanning obesity, health and fitness sectors, we are committed to working with governments and partners to ensure this opportunity is realised.
Read our press release & statement
Position statement on integrating physical activity and nutrition in obesity care
A joint global position statement outlining why physical activity and nutrition must be central to obesity treatment, alongside medications, to ensure safe, effective and equitable outcomes.
Download (248.31 KB)Global call to integrate physical activity and nutrition in obesity medication rollout
Joint press release from World Obesity Federation and global partners calling for physical activity and nutrition to be embedded in obesity care as medications expand worldwide.
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