How weight-loss drugs are reshaping the gym

"State of play: Gyms sell the promise of getting in shape, and weight-loss drugs could help - or hurt - that pitch. Some who lose weight through GLP-1s might go to the gym more - while others may decide they don't need to go at all. "There's certainly going to be people on both sides, and our data certainly shows it," TD Cowen equity analyst Max Rakhlenko, who tracks fitness companies, tells Axios."

"Companies like Life Time - which has more than 185 high-end gyms in 32 states - see an opportunity to help walk members through their weight loss journey. "We know that if you're going to succeed with GLP-1s, you're going to have to learn how to exercise," Life Time chief science officer Jim LaValle tells Axios. "You're going to need to have some resistance exercise in order to maintain lean muscle, and you have to have proper dietary guidance.""

"National gym chain Planet Fitness is "in conversations with several GLP-1 providers," chief marketing officer Brian Povinelli said in November at an event for analysts and investors. "We're exploring possible avenues to align with them to help ensure GLP-1 customers have easy access to the critical fitness regimen they need to offset possible muscle loss." Gold's Gym in the Washington, D.C. area has partnered with wellness firm Idexa360 to offer its members discounts on GLP-1s and certain "longevity" medications."

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are shifting consumer fitness behavior: some users increase gym attendance to preserve muscle while others feel less need for gym membership. Gym operators are responding by launching tailored programs, integrating medical services, partnering with providers, and offering discounts on medications. Resistance training and dietary guidance are emphasized to maintain lean muscle during drug-assisted weight loss. National and high-end chains are testing prescribing models and curated journeys to support member outcomes. The net impact on memberships remains uncertain as companies pilot medical integration and specialized fitness offerings to complement pharmaceutical-assisted weight loss.

Read at Axios