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Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are transforming the fitness industry.
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American gyms are adjusting strategies as membership grows weight loss drugs.
High-end gyms such as Lifetime and Equinox are acquiring weight-loss clinics with doctors who can prescribe GLP-1, a powerful new class of drugs with proven efficacy. very effective in losing weightwe can also design exercise programs specifically for people taking medications.
The industry is undergoing major changes as baby boomers age, the typical gym-goer begins to decline, and new drugs make it easier to lose weight. Oprah’s famous WeightWatchers commercial has been released (the company’s stock price plummeted this week on news of her appearance) going down From the board), doctors and strength training are also participating.
Ozempic, Wegoby, and other GLP-1 prescription drugs have penetrated the country’s wealthier classes. In his last three months of 2022 alone, U.S. health care providers wrote more than 9 million prescriptions for Wegovy and other injectable drugs used for weight loss. JPMorgan researchers estimate that 30 million people, or about 9% of the U.S. population, could be taking GLP-1 drugs by 2030.
GLP-1’s effects on the body from exercise are still not fully understood, but Jim wants to make sure he doesn’t get left behind in the transition to weight loss drugs. The industry has made billions of dollars from people wanting to lose weight.
However, the gym is still aimed at building muscle. One of the common side effects for some patients taking these drugs is muscle loss.So Jim is now starting marketing. The company hopes to offer its brand to existing members who are taking GLP-1 and add members in the future as people taking these drugs seek to maintain and build muscle. There is.
Some analysts say Planet Fitness and other low-cost gym chains could also benefit from growth in these drugs as prices fall. For now, GLP-1 treatments are prohibitively expensive for most Americans, costing about $1,000 or more per month.
“In a world where GLP-1 is widely available, gyms from Planet Fitness to high-end brands are increasing their marketing campaigns to grow their membership bases,” said BMO analyst Simeon Siegel. “There is a high possibility that it will be developed.” Capital Markets covers fitness companies.
weight loss doctor and personal trainer
Life time is Clinic It provides members with personal training focused on weight loss and access to physicians who can prescribe GLP-1 drugs to those who qualify.
People taking GLP-1 “will seek the support of appropriate specialized facilities, professional personal trainers and nutritionists,” Lifetime CEO Bahram Akhradi said on an earnings call Wednesday. Stated. “We are confident in this [GLP-1] Megatrends will be especially positive over your lifetime. ”
For Equinox debuted The “GLP-1 Protocol” is a personal training program to maintain muscle mass for members taking these drugs. The company said it launched the program in response to questions from members regarding GLP-1.
The plan promises a “targeted fitness program.” [that] It helps maintain and build muscle during the process,” says Equinox.
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Equinox and other gyms are developing new strategies.
Xponential Fitness, which owns boutique brands such as Club Pilates, Rumble and Pure Barre, has acquired a chain of weight loss clinics in Southern California staffed by doctors who can prescribe GLP-1.
Low-cost gyms such as Planet Fitness say GLP-1 could help attract first-time gym members to their chains who want to prevent muscle loss. Some analysts agree.
“If this becomes mainstream, I think gyms and fitness centers will find a whole new set of potential members,” Siegel said. “People who have never stepped foot in a gym before may have a new perspective on health.”
But some fitness industry observers say it’s too early to understand how GLP-1 users exercise and the impact it will have on gyms.
“It’s too early to emphasize the use of weight loss drugs or the role of clubs,” said Rick Caro, president of fitness consulting firm Management Vision.
The gym industry is one of many industries trying to prepare for a future in which more people take such drugs.
These drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1 receptor agonists, were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. (Ozempic is not approved by regulators as a weight loss drug, but a similar drug, Wigovy, is.)
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Ozempic is also having a disruptive effect on other industries.
weight watchers We have launched a new membership plan For those who provide members with access to doctors who can prescribe these medications. It also signed a deal to acquire Sequence, a telemedicine business that provides patients with virtual prescriptions for these weight-loss drugs when needed, for more than $100 million.
Food companies are also preparing GLP-1 consumers to buy fewer sugary snacks and drinks.
JPMorgan found last year that current GLP-1 users purchased about 8% fewer foods, including snacks, soft drinks, and high-carbohydrate products, compared to the previous year compared to consumers not using these drugs. announced.
Food giant Nestlé is planning to invest more It’s included in nutritious products such as Opifast high protein shakes that claim to offer “benefits” to people undergoing GLP-1 therapy.
