Oldham Active launches specialist exercise referral pathway to support people using GLP-1 weight loss medications

Community leisure trust, Oldham Active has launched an exercise referral pathway for people using GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Oldham Active is one of the first leisure providers in the UK to offer this specialist service, in line with the latest WHO guidelines, which recommend physical activity alongside GLP-1 treatment for long-term success.

 

Health and social prescribers across Oldham can now refer patients with a BMI of over 30 to Oldham Active’s specially trained fitness team for tailored exercise support alongside their GLP-1 medication.

 

The new pathway is available to people who have been prescribed GLP-1 medications by their GP or are purchasing them privately. It is designed to help them preserve and build muscle while taking the medication through targeted exercise and nutrition guidance. This approach supports healthier, more sustainable weight loss and helps maintain results long-term, especially when they decide to stop taking the medication.

 

The launch comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its first global guidelines on GLP-1 therapies for obesity, specifically recommending that intensive behavioural interventions, including structured physical activity programmes, should be offered to adults prescribed these medications to enhance treatment outcomes.

 

Lauren Connis, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Oldham Active, said: “Following our fitness team’s specialist training earlier this year, we’re now putting that knowledge into practice by offering a dedicated referral pathway for people using GLP-1 medications.

 

“This service directly supports the recent WHO guidance that medication alone won’t solve the obesity challenge. Our specially trained team understand that without appropriate exercise, two-thirds of weight lost can be muscle rather than fat, which can lead to significant weight regain when the medication is stopped.

 

“By working alongside healthcare professionals and offering structured, expert-led exercise programmes, we can help people maximise the benefits of their GLP-1 treatment and establish sustainable, healthy habits for life.”

 

Oldham Active’s fitness team completed Future Fit’s Navigating GLP-1 for Sport and Physical Activity Professionals training in June this year, delivered by celebrity TV doctor Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi. The training covered the science behind GLP-1 medications and practical applications for fitness professionals supporting clients using these treatments.

 

Health and social prescribers across Oldham have been informed of the new pathway and the team’s specialist qualifications, enabling them to confidently refer suitable patients to the service. Oldham Active’s health referral programmes can also benefit individuals with a variety of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, musculoskeletal issues including arthritis, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression.