Oldham Active’s fitness team upskills to support customers using GLP-1 medications

Oldham Active is the first leisure provider in the UK to officially train and qualify its fitness team to deliver advice and guidance on GLP-1 medications.

Thirty members of the community leisure trust’s wellbeing and fitness team completed Future Fit’s new Navigating GLP-1 for Sport and Physical Activity Professionals training, covering the basics of GLP-1 medications, the science behind them and practical applications for fitness professionals. The one-day course was delivered in-person by celebrity TV doctor Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a specialist in GLP-1 medications who collaborated with Future Fit in creating the training. University Campus Oldham kindly donated the use of their facilities to host the session.

The training comes as health professionals prepare to widen access to GLP-1 medications for weight management through the NHS, which would enable GPs to prescribe the medication for obesity as well as diabetes. Currently if you want GLP-1 injections for weight loss then this is done privately from pharmacies following a short consultation at a cost of approximately £150 a month. According to Simple Online Pharmacy, in December 2024, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK were taking GLP-1 medications, which are marketed under brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda. Of these, 95% were buying the medications privately while the remaining 5% likely accessed them through the NHS for diabetes management.

Lauren Connis, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Oldham Active, emphasised the importance of the training saying: “We are passionate about upskilling our team to help members understand the use and consequences of GLP-1 medications and how we can support them in their long-term wellbeing.

“Our team estimates that around 50% of our new health referral members are currently taking the medication, often without a GP prescription and with limited information, demonstrating the urgent need to educate our fitness team. At present there is a significant lack of education about these medications, and the training enables us to position ourselves as experts to our community to counterbalance some of the misinformation in circulation, often found on social media and from influencers.

“Whilst GLP-1 medications can be very effective for weight loss and combating diabetes, they don’t address underlying lifestyle factors and don’t replace the need for eating better and moving more. In fact, without appropriate exercise two-thirds of muscle can be lost while taking the medication, so if users aren’t building muscle and changing their diet, they may face challenges and significant weight gain when they stop having the jabs.”

 

The training session was met with enthusiasm from the Oldham Active fitness team, who valued the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in this emerging area of health and fitness.

Melissa Tolan, Fitness Instructor at Oldham Active’s Chadderton Wellbeing Centre said: “The training has given me a clear insight into how GLP-1 medications work, particularly in relation to appetite regulation, weight management and energy levels. With more clients now exploring medical support for weight loss, this training has helped me feel confident in adapting my approach to better support their needs. I can now design training plans with greater awareness of how these medications might impact performance and recovery, and I feel better equipped to have informed, supportive conversations with clients on this journey.”

Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi commented: “With the rising use of GLP-1 weight loss injections, it’s vital for fitness professionals to understand these interventions. The Future Fit training provides the skills and knowledge to support clients before, during and after treatment, ensuring long-term success and improved well-being. Fitness professionals can bridge the gap between medicine and movement, fostering a healthier and more active future.”

Tom Godwin – Group Operations Director at Future Fit said: “Our GLP-1 course reflects our commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge to meet today’s healthcare challenges with confidence, and we were excited to deliver the first ever course for the Oldham Active team, who share our enthusiasm, to support the growing demand for informed professionals in this emerging area of practice.”