Ever since college, Brad Jobling struggled with his weight, fluctuating between a low of 155 pounds when he was in his 30s to as high as 220. He spent a decade tracking calories on WeightWatchers, but the pounds he dropped always crept back onto his 5-foot-5-inch frame.
A little over a year ago, the 58-year-old Manhattan resident went on a new weight-loss drug called semaglutide (Wegovy). He’s lost 30 pounds, and has started eating healthier food and exercising — the habits behind many commercial diet plans and decades of conventional wisdom on sustainable weight loss.
Yet Jobling’s experience also has altered his perspective on dieting. He now sees obesity as a disease that requires medical intervention, not just behavioral changes. In fact, he thinks he will need to stay on a drug like semaglutide for the rest of his life even though it has taken some of the joy out of eating.
“I don’t see how you can maintain (the weight) without medication,” Jobling said. “Obviously, it’s all about self-control. But I think it’s less of a struggle to really maintain healthy eating when you got that assistance.”
Like the lives of the people taking them, recent injected drugs like semaglutide, which was first approved for diabetes under the brand name Ozempic, are reshaping the U.S. health and fitness industries. They have proven successful in eliminating unwanted pounds more quickly and easily than consuming fewer and burning more calories alone. Such is their disruptive power that even established diet companies like WeightWatchers and brands like Lean Cuisine are getting makeovers.
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Although celebrities like Oprah Winfrey have spoken publicly of the drugs as revolutionary, some health experts worry that businesses without any expertise will start dispensing the prescription medications along with bad advice and unproven therapies.
A Demand Too Big to Ignore
At least 3 million prescriptions for the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists were issued each month in the U.S. during the 12 months that ended in March, according to data from health technology company IQVIA. They include semaglutide and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Morgan Stanley research analysts have estimated that 24 million people, or 7% of the U.S. population, will be using GLP-1 drugs by 2035.
The world’s leading diet programs have taken note of such statistics and incorporated the popular drugs into their existing subscription plans.
WeightWatchers, which was founded in 1963, last year acquired telehealth provider Sequence, enabling members to get prescriptions for weight-loss drugs. WeightWatchers is sticking with its focus on behavior change as the cornerstone of weight reduction but launched virtual clinics that provide customized exercise and nutrition plans, as well as prescription care, for individuals who want to lose 20% of their body weight on average.
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“The weight loss space will be led by the acknowledgement that weight loss is a matter of healthcare,” WeightWatchers CEO Sima Sistani told analysts earlier this year. “This is a paradigm shift because weight loss has been and, unfortunately, often still is viewed as a vanity issue.”
The Mayo Clinic, which first offered a weight management plan in book form in 1949, has published an updated version of the longtime bestseller, titled “The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition.”
The Mayo Clinic Diet program also has expanded to include access to weight-loss drugs and advice on managing any side effects, according to Digital Wellness CEO Scott Penn, whose company developed an online platform for the original program.
The new drugs have made being very overweight “feel more medical as a condition,” he said.
Gym and Diet Food Companies Look to Muscle In
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Luxury athletic club operator Life Time launched a membership program last year that offers comprehensive medical testing, personalized training, and a host of alternative therapies like cryotherapy. Members of the Miora program also can get semaglutide and other weight-loss drugs through the medical staff of a clinic that opened in Minneapolis last year.
Jeff Zwiefel, executive director of Life Time Miora, called the new drugs a “game changer” for the fitness industry.
“We have an opportunity and an obligation and a responsibility to help people achieve results in conjunction with medical providers and make sure that that’s the way to go,” he said.
Fitness chains are banking on the idea people on the drugs will lose enough weight to overcome any self-consciousness or physical limits that kept them from exercising. The gym franchise Equinox started a new personal training program in January for prescription-holders who want to preserve or build muscle mass as they shed unwanted pounds.
The world of drug-assisted weight loss also is altering the ambitions of food companies. Sales of SlimFast, a line of meal replacement shakes and snacks sold at supermarkets, have dropped as people turn to weight-loss drugs and retailers cut shelf space for diet products, the brand’s parent company, Glanbia, told investors in February.
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Since the drugs suppress the appetites of people taking them, Glanbia and other companies are marketing their products as a source of adequate nutrients for people taking GLP-1s. Swiss multinational Nestle SA thinks it can benefit from the drugs’ popularity and is expanding its Lean Cuisine frozen meals and OPTIFAST protein shakes.
“Diets are cool again,” Nestle SA CEO Ulf Mark Schneider told analysts in February. “It’s something that people used to do quietly on the side, uncertain about their outcomes.”
Promising Results and a Wealth of Unknowns
Research has shown that about a third of people lose 5% or more of their body weight with diet and exercise alone, according to Louis Aronne, MD, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medical school. In comparison, tirzepatide helped people with obesity or who are overweight lose at least a quarter of their weight when combined with restricted calories and exercise, a new study showed.
But some experts worry about businesses marketing the drugs or serving as fitness coaches for patients on the medications. Cian Wade, BMBCh, MPH, a healthcare consultant for the global strategy and management firm Kearney, said he’s concerned about a proliferation of clinics that don’t have as much experience with obesity and related health conditions.
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“There’s a potential worry that for some patients, (the clinics) will not have the right expertise at hand to be able to appropriately manage the side effects, nutrition-related issues,” he said.
Since GLP-1 medications are so new, it’s unclear how many patients will stick with their drug regimens, which produce intolerable side effects for some people. Another reason patients may drop the drugs is cost. A month’s supply of the weight-loss formulation of semaglutide costs $1,300, and tirzepatide’s is priced at $1,000.
‘The New Version of Me’
Lisa Donahey, 54, an actress and singer who lives in Los Angeles, started tirzepatide under a doctor’s care a year ago to address her type 2 diabetes. At the time, Donahey, who is 5-foot-7-inches tall, weighed 260 pounds and was a veteran of diet plans like Jenny Craig, WeightWatchers, and Nutrisystem.
Her weight has since dropped to a little less than 190 pounds. She goes to a gym. After always being cast as a character actor, she’s looking for new roles. Having used the medication to give her “a kick-start,” Donahey said she plans to wean herself off tirzepatide once she loses another 40 pounds.
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“I had a sense of hopelessness that I was destined to be this way and just could not do it by myself,” she said. “Now, with my weight being managed and the new version of ‘me’ is emerging, I just feel so empowered, excited, and hopeful.”
It’s common knowledge in fitness circles, but a lot of people don’t know that the classic sit-up exercise — that staple of gym classes and boot-camp style training — is actually terrible for your back, and most personal trainers and fitness apps are quietly leaving it in the past.
Military organizations, including the US Army Rangers and British Army, are also dropping it from their fitness tests. The age of the sit-up is over — so everyone who was tortured with it at school can breathe a sigh of relief.
The reason? According to a report from Harvard University, sit ups “push your curved spine against the floor and work your hip flexors, the muscles that run from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back”.
Article continues below
“When the hip flexors are too strong or too tight, they tug on the lower spine, which can create lower back discomfort.”
Not only do they recruit muscle in your hips instead of your abs, but having your spine curling and pressing against the floor repetitively can lead to strain and contribute to injury. So, what to replace them with?
The Harvard report above recommends the plank as a spine-safe alternative, as planks “recruit a better balance of muscles on the front, sides, and back of the body” — however, we can make the plank even more effective.
Adding a little movement to your new corework staple can supercharge the muscles recruited, which is great for your summer six-pack plans.
Introducing the body saw…
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What is the body saw?
The body saw is effectively a plank, during which you rock backwards and forwards. Because your body is in a straight plank position, it’s literally a ‘sawing’ motion using your body, hence the name.
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Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada studied the body saw alongside other advanced ab-focused moves, such as hanging leg raises and walkouts into push-ups, focusing on “which particular muscles were challenged and the magnitude of the resulting spine load” in 14 young men.
The researchers said that although all the exercises produced “substantial abdominal challenge”, the body saw did so “in the most spine conserving way”.
It’s a plank variation made harder with the stability issues involved in adding movement to the hold, recruiting more muscles as you perform the movement while still trying to keep your core tight like a standard plank. If you want to try this advanced move, watch the video, and check out our how-to guide, below.
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How to do the body saw
Assume a plank position, with your forearms and toes on the ground. Your palms should be flat.
Shift your body forward so that your shoulders are over your forearms, then back to the start again.
Repeat 10 times for 3-5 sets, or set a timer to do this exercise continuously for a set period of time.
We’ve got loads more fitness content here at TechRadar — if you liked this, you should check out our series of workout-orientated listicles, The Fit List.
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Campbelltown residents could soon be members of one of the fittest local government areas in the Sydney metropolitan area.
A new suite of outdoor fitness equipment is being delivered across Campbelltown to support active, healthy lifestyles.
Once complete our residents will have more reasons to head outside and get moving.
Construction is now under way at four locations as part of the council’s outdoor fitness facilities program.
The program aim is to create free, accessible spaces that make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to stay active in their local neighbourhoods.
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“The new equipment across the four locations is all about making it easier for our community to get out and make the most of our local parks,” says the Mayor of Campbelltown, Darcy Lound.
“This project ensures residents have access to free fitness equipment, supporting overall health and wellbeing for everyone in Campbelltown,” said Cr Lound.
The outdoor fitness facilities program is funded by the NSW Government through the Western Sydney infrastructure grants program.
“There’s not too many better partnerships than the State Government and Council working together to deliver great projects, and this is another example of that.
‘This is something that Campbelltown not only needs but deserves, and our children will get much benefit out of it as well as other members of the community,’’ Mayor Lound said.
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“It’s particularly enlightening to see investment going into supporting our local community getting out and exercising for free in a public place,” said Greg Warren, the State Member for Campbelltown.
The four locations are in Eagle Farm Reserve, Eagle Vale, Ophelia Reserve, Rosemeadow, Clematis Reserve, Macquarie Fields and Marsden Park in the centre of Campbelltown, pictured above.
Marsden Park last received an update on its outdoor exercise equipment 10 years ago.
For more information about this project, visit: https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/City-Improvements/WILGA-250-Outdoor-Fitness-Facilities-Program
Special Olympics athletes from around the world lead fitness activities.
Fitness is a key aspect of Special Olympics’ mission. Special Olympics Fitness comprises three components that focus on healthy lifestyle behaviors: physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. When Special Olympics athletes practice regular physical activity, eat healthy, and stay hydrated, they improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
According to Special Olympics Fitness 2024 Annual Report, 74% of athletes report improved confidence in doing physical activity after participating in Special Olympics fitness programming. This focus on fitness extends beyond individual athletes and into entire communities. Across the globe, Special Olympics Athlete Leaders and coaches are inspiring others to be more active daily. They are dedicated to making fitness more inclusive, leading education and fitness activities, and empowering their fellow athletes, family members, and other supporters of the Special Olympics movement to live healthy lifestyles.
This emphasis on movement is celebrated globally on World Day for Physical Activity, observed annually on 6 April, which promotes physical activity and encourages people of all abilities to move more every day. This World Day for Physical Activity, we’re highlighting Athlete Leaders and a coach who have taken on a variety of leadership roles to empower athletes to stay active year-round. Get to know them below!
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Ayoub Deboub – Special Olympics Ireland
Ayoub Deboub (right) demonstrates a fitness exercise at an Athlete Leadership Fitness Workshop.
Ayoub Deboub is an athlete, football and Special Olympics Young Athletes coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Special Olympics International Fitness Advisory Committee member, and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He is passionate about making fitness inclusive for everyone.
Having grown up with a disability and gone through multiple surgeries, Ayoub understands first-hand the challenges and barriers people with IDD face when it comes to physical activity. These experiences have shaped his belief that sport isn’t just about winning; it’s about building skills, confidence, and empowering every athlete to reach their full potential.
Reflecting on these experiences, Ayoub said, “Throughout the years, I’ve worked in schools and centres to create opportunities for people of all abilities. I hosted a fitness workshop for the Eastern Region in Special Olympics Ireland, focusing on breaking barriers for physical activity by introducing simple, adapted, and enjoyable exercises. There were team-building exercises and stations with different workouts for the athletes. The energy and engagement throughout the session were incredible, with many stepping outside their comfort zones.
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By the end, participants felt more empowered and motivated to stay active in their daily lives. I believe the workshop made a real impact by showing that disability should never be a limitation to leading an active and healthy lifestyle.”
To Ayoub, fitness means empowerment, inclusion, and personal growth.
Krystal Johnson – Special Olympics Southern California
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Krystal (right) leads a warmup activity.
Krystal Johnson has been an athlete with Special Olympics Southern California for 25 years. She is a multi-sport athlete competing in tennis, floorball, bowling, and athletics. As a Fitness Captain, Krystal supports her teammates in maintaining their health on and off the field. Fitness Captains are athletes on a sports team who lead the team in activities related to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Krystal uses her leadership and communication skills to empower athletes to be healthy and fit.
When asked about why she wanted to become a Fitness Captain, Krystal shared, “I enjoy being a Fitness Captain leading warmups and cooldowns with my fellow teammates. I want to help us all get ready for a good day at practice. I want to help promote fitness to my teammates by being an example. They see me working with the coaches and this is something that they can learn to become part of.”
Banele Makhonco – Special Olympics South Africa
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Banele Makhonco (middle) motivates his community to stay active.
Banele Makhonco is a Special Olympics South Africa athlete, coach, and Athlete Input Council member based in the Eastern Cape Province. He has become a true champion in health and fitness.
For Banele, fitness goes beyond staying healthy; it’s become a way for him to connect with others in his community. In addition to leading boot camp fitness activities in his community, Banele also runs inclusive training sessions for people of all abilities, helping each person reach their true potential.
Banele explained, “I help others with routines, training strategies, and training plans. I also assist other colleagues and the local gym. Most importantly, I support my former school with fitness sessions and assist selected athletes when they go to Provincial or National Games.”
Banele is also passionate about teaching others about the importance of nutrition, and that to be a great athlete, you must be a healthy athlete. His hope this World Day for Physical Activity is that everyone can “understand that health and fitness is a way of life. It is important to keep fit and live healthy because you can live a longer life without suffering from petty illnesses.”
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Susan David – Special Olympics Namibia (Coach)
Susan David (middle) leads stretching exercises during a fitness session.
Susan David has been a Special Olympics Namibia coach for 27 years. Her journey into fitness and health was shaped not only by her passion, but by the athletes she coached.
When Susan first started fitness training, she shared that she “was simply a coach who gave instructions to athletes. I guided them on what to do, but I was not fully practicing what I was teaching. Over time, the athletes began to influence me in a powerful way. Their dedication and energy rubbed off on me, and I became more interested in fitness myself.”
Susan found herself inspired by the dedication and energy of the athletes, which led her to follow what she loved.
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“I started doing what I preached,” Susan shared. “One athlete who lives close to my house, a [Special Olympics] Health Messenger, played a big role in my journey. He would remind me about my running schedule and encourage me to stay consistent.Today, I love running and continuously work towards improving my fitness.”
Today, Susan continues to lead fitness sessions with the support of Fitness Captains and Health Messengers in schools and communities.
Kayla Cornell – Special Olympics Michigan
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Kayla (middle) competes in a powerlifting competition.
Kayla Cornell is a Health Messenger, athlete, and serves on the Special Olympics Fitness Team’s Athlete App Advisory Committee. One way Kayla motivates her fellow athletes and herself to stay active is by using the Special Olympics Fitness App.
The Special Olympics Fitness App is a free, inclusive fitness tool designed to help athletes with IDD stay active, build healthy habits, and feel empowered in their wellness journey. The app features fun challenges and helps you track your workouts, nutrition, sleep, and mental wellness.
When asked about her favorite features of the app, Kayla mentioned: “What really sets the experience apart for me is the resource section. I use a ton of the resources available there to stay informed and keep my routine fresh. Whether it’s looking up new exercise techniques or following health tips, having all that information in one place makes staying healthy feel much more manageable.”
The app also provides healthy tips to stay motivated and lets users share their progress with friends. “We talk a lot about how the app makes fitness fun and less stressful, and by working together from different places, we can show others that you don’t have to be in the same room to stay active,” Kayla added.
These stories remind us of the importance of being active year-round, and how this can promote well-being among athletes, families, and community members.
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Interested in learning more? Download the free Special Olympics Fitness App on the Apple or Google Play stores. The app features health behavior tracking, goal setting, fitness challenges, and resources, including being able to do Fit 5 exercise videos right from your phone!
