Economic model projects multi-billion-dollar gains across five countries
A new white paper finds that pairing GLP-1 obesity medications with structured exercise programs could generate billions in economic returns and prevent costly health events, with the Fitness Industry Council of Canada calling on policymakers to formally embed physical activity into treatment pathways.
The white paper, From Weight Loss to Lasting Value: Structured Exercise and the Economics of GLP-1 Therapy, was developed by FTI Consulting’s Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy. The study, produced in partnership with a multinational coalition of fitness sector organisations, applied a health-economic model across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Across all five countries, the analysis found that combining GLP-1 therapy with regular exercise supports improved long-term health outcomes, reduces healthcare costs and produces positive economic returns.
Canada’s economic case
For Canada specifically, the findings carry a significant price tag. According to the report, combining regular exercise with GLP-1 therapy is estimated to generate $3.5 billion in economic and societal value over 10 years, representing a 105% return on investment — a figure projected to rise to 526% and $17.9 billion over 30 years.
Zach Weston, executive director of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, said the numbers reflect a broader structural challenge.
“Canada, like many countries, is facing both rising obesity-related costs and persistent physical inactivity,” Weston said. “These findings show why structured exercise should be part of the healthcare conversation as GLP-1 use grows for the long term sustainable success of clinical therapy.”
Clinical benefits
The report identifies several clinical benefits of combining exercise with GLP-1 medication over medication alone, including preserved muscle mass during weight loss, sustained strength and bone health, reduced weight regain after stopping medication and lower rates of costly health events. It also highlights reduced spending on medical costs and productivity losses, as well as improved patient longevity and quality of life.
A timely warning
The white paper’s release coincides with emerging clinical evidence that GLP-1 users may become less active after starting treatment. A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, found that adults with obesity on GLP-1 medications significantly decreased their physical activity — with average daily steps falling from 5,047 to 4,487, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes dropping from 28 to 22 per day.
Study lead Dr. Sajana Maharjan of HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill., noted that GLP-1 medications reduce not only fat but also lean muscle mass, making physical activity “even more important during treatment.”
Policy gaps in Canada
The call for exercise integration comes as GLP-1 access remains uneven in Canada. As of May, most provincial public drug plans cover GLP-1 medications only for type 2 diabetes, not for obesity — leaving Wegovy, Zepbound and Saxenda off formularies for weight management purposes.
In April, Canada became the first G7 country to approve a generic semaglutide, a development expected to begin pulling list prices lower.
The Fitness Industry Council of Canada is joined in its call to action by the Health & Fitness Association, ukactive, AUSactive and Exercise New Zealand. The groups are urging governments to recognise structured exercise — particularly strength training — as an essential component of obesity care, establish referral pathways to qualified exercise professionals and track outcomes beyond weight loss.
