GLP-1 users need what gyms offer more than most. This is a chance to reposition your gym as an essential element of modern healthcare – more medical partner than a lifestyle add-on.
Understanding the GLP-1 opportunity for gym owners
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing how people approach weight management. These medications mimic natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, reducing “food noise” and helping people to eat less.
Here the bit that’s interesting for you as a gym owner. People who are spending time and money on GLP-1 injections are invested in their health journey. They’re highly motivated, and understand that sustaining the results will take more than medication.
Your traditional gym members might be motivated by aesthetic goals or seasonal fitness pushes. Prescription GLP-1 users are dealing with a medical condition.
These are people committed to long-term health changes, often with disposable income (given the costs of many GLP-1 treatments). And to succeed long-term, they need the training, programming, and motivation gyms can produce.
Why GLP-1 users need gym memberships
GLP-1 medications alone aren’t enough for sustainable weight management. Users can lose 15-60% of lean muscle mass alongside fat loss, which reduces metabolic rate by approximately 13 calories per day for every kilogram lost. GLP-1s have also been linked to reduced bone density when used without exercise
So whilst GLP-1s are great for weight loss, they can spell bad news for metabolic rate, bone health, posture, and all the other good things we know come from having healthy bone and muscle tissue.
Studies comparing diet-only approaches with combined exercise and GLP-1 treatment found that exercise not only led to more weight loss but also preserved bone density levels.
This is why it’s important to see that your gym isn’t competing with GLP-1 medications. You’re providing the missing piece that makes them work long-term, and that keeps users healthier.
Shifting your mindset: from weight loss to weight health
The language around this demographic matters. Think “weight health” rather than “weight loss.” Focus on strength maintenance, metabolic support, and functional fitness rather than calorie-burning or aesthetic outcomes. Position your services as post-medication support and long-term maintenance tools.
Prescribed GLP-1 users are already working with healthcare professionals, and they’ll want to know how your services fit into their treatment plan. Talk about muscle preservation, bone density, and metabolic health maintenance.
What GLP-1 users need from gyms
Understanding what this demographic needs will help you develop targeted services and messaging that resonates.
- Strength training — Structured resistance training to preserve muscle mass and metabolic function during weight loss.
- Education and support — Guidance on form, progression and understanding how exercise fits into a wider health plan.
- Consistency and accountability — Regular check-ins, progress tracking (focused on strength and function) and consistent scheduling to drive results.
- Community without judgement — Create a supportive environment for people who may face weight stigma or feel self-conscious about using GLP-1s.
- Long-term partnerships — Ongoing support, community and lifestyle habits for when individuals reduce or stop medication.
5 benefits of gym membership beyond calorie burning
GLP-1 medications are already handling appetite regulation and calorie reduction, so your value proposition needs to extend beyond weight loss.
- Muscle maintenance and metabolic support – Regular resistance training preserves lean muscle mass, maintains metabolic rate, and supports long-term weight maintenance even when medication is reduced or stopped.
- Bone health and injury prevention – Weight-bearing exercise supports bone density, addressing one of the key concerns with GLP-1 use.
- Community and accountability – The social side of the gym provides motivation and support, which is particularly valuable for people managing chronic health conditions.
- Mental health and confidence – Exercise provides mood benefits that support overall well-being and confidence during a significant lifestyle change.
- Education and skill building – Learning proper exercise technique, understanding nutrition, and building sustainable habits support long-term success.
Practical steps for welcoming GLP-1 users
- Staff training – Make sure your team understands the basics of GLP-1 medications, common side effects, and how exercise supports treatment. They should understand this isn’t traditional weight loss.
- Programmes for GLP-1 users – Focus on strength training, functional movement, and gradual progress. There’s an opportunity for personal training, small group training, or workshops, and for partnering with dieticians.
- Messaging and marketing – Communications should include “weight health” language. Mention support for people using medical weight management, emphasise strength and function over aesthetics, and position your gym as part of healthcare.
- Flexible options – GLP-1 users may experience side effects like nausea or fatigue. Flexible membership options, easy rescheduling, and understanding around medication adjustments will show you understand.
Building partnerships in the weight health space
ym operators will be those who position themselves as partners in the weight health ecosystem. This might mean building relationships with local GPs, working with corporate wellness programmes, or partnering with digital health platforms.
Hussle’s network gives gym owners access to corporate clients who want comprehensive employee wellness benefits. As more employees use GLP-1 medications through private healthcare, employers need gym partners who understand and support this.
Ready to position your gym as an essential partner in modern weight health management? Contact Hussle to see how we can connect you with employers looking for gyms that support their employees’ health journeys.
