Why we’re weighing in on the global push for holistic weight management
Published on 15 Apr 2026
The global conversation around weight management has been further thrust into the spotlight following the issuing of a joint statement by a raft of health and fitness leaders last month (March).
Published by The World Obesity Federation, ukactive, the Health & Fitness Association, AUSactive, Exercise New Zealand, the Fitness Industry Council of Canada and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, the statement called for a more holistic approach to weight management to be adopted alongside weight loss medication.
According to World Obesity, 38% of the world’s adult population is overweight. This figure is anticipated to continue to rise over the coming years, further contributing to the development of non-communicable diseases and putting additional strain on public healthcare services.
At the same time, the number of people using weight loss drugs has also reportedly soared. Research published by University College London researchers at the start of this year revealed that 1.6million UK adults used weight loss drugs between 2024 and early 2025.
The joint statement sets the scene by acknowledging that medication should not be used as a standalone option or a ‘magic bullet’ and that it requires: ‘Parallel investment in prevention, particularly to create environments that better support healthy lifestyles in the long-term and provide support to help people with obesity manage the condition and make the physical activity and nutritional lifestyle changes that are needed for the drugs to be effective and safe.’
Having worked closely with the medical sector and the gym and health industry for the last 100 years, we are inherently aware of the need for sustained, evidence-based strategies that support functional health, muscle maintenance and behaviour change - not simply short-term weight loss.
Weight alone does not tell the full story
Traditional weight measurement provides limited insight into a person’s health. Two individuals may weigh the same, but have vastly different levels of body fat, muscle mass and hydration, all of which play a critical role in their long-term wellbeing.
Global health leaders warn that reliance on weight loss medication alone may lead to undesirable outcomes, such as loss of muscle mass and reduced functional capacity if not supported by lifestyle interventions.
Body composition analysis provides a deeper understanding by measuring:
· Body fat percentage
· Muscle mass
· Visceral fat levels
· Hydration
· Basal metabolic rate
This data enables healthcare professionals to monitor whether weight loss is taking place in a healthy and sustainable way. For example, rapid weight loss without monitoring muscle mass can potentially increase the risk of frailty, metabolic slowdown and long-term weight regain.
Supporting a holistic approach to obesity treatment
Weight management is no longer simply about losing kilograms. It is about improving health outcomes, maintaining strength and supporting long-term wellbeing.
Body composition analysis provides healthcare professionals with deeper insight into patient health, enabling more effective obesity management strategies to be implemented that align with emerging global guidance and patient data.
As the healthcare sector continues to move towards more preventative, personalised care, body composition monitoring is becoming an essential tool in delivering healthier, more sustainable weight management outcomes. And while our name may not be on the recently published joint statement, we are here on the sidelines, pioneering the latest body composition equipment and helping lead the charge for more sustainable long-term health outcomes, as standard.
To read the joint statement, visit: https://ukactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Joint-Position-Statement-Ensuring-physical-activity-and-nutrition-are-central-to-systems-supporting-the-global-roll-out-of-obesity-medications-GLP-1-1.pdf
For further information about body composition scales and to explore our product range, please visit: https://www.marsden-weighing.co.uk/collections/body-composition-scales