FTI Research Puts GLP-1 Plus Exercise Value at $120 Billion in U.S. Over 10 Years
Updated
Updated · Health & Fitness Association · Jun 15
FTI Research Puts GLP-1 Plus Exercise Value at $120 Billion in U.S. Over 10 Years
3 articles · Updated · Health & Fitness Association · Jun 15
Summary
FTI Consulting projects that adding structured exercise to GLP-1 therapy would generate $120 billion in U.S. economic and societal value over 10 years, versus GLP-1 treatment alone.
The model argues exercise helps sustain weight-loss benefits, improve long-term health outcomes and cut costly downstream medical events, making GLP-1 spending more durable.
Across the other four markets studied, projected 10-year value ranges from NZ$51 million in New Zealand to C$3.5 billion in Canada, with the UK at £2.7 billion and Australia at A$182 million.
Over 30 years, estimated returns rise sharply, including a 1,572% return on investment in the U.S. and 717% in the UK, suggesting payers could capture larger gains by pairing drugs with exercise programs.
The white paper was produced by FTI's Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy with fitness-industry groups, underscoring a policy push to treat exercise as part of obesity-care investment.
As GLP-1 drugs surge, who pays for the structured exercise proven essential for their success?
If GLP-1 users don't maintain exercise, do the promised billions in healthcare savings simply evaporate?
Unlocking the Full Value of GLP-1s: Why Exercise Integration is Essential for Sustainable Obesity Care—Insights from the 2026 FTI Report
Overview
The Landmark FTI Report, published by FTI Consulting in June 2026, highlights the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and reveals that combining these medications with structured exercise delivers significant health and economic benefits. The report emphasizes that exercise is essential for patients and health systems to fully realize the long-term value of GLP-1 therapies. It addresses concerns from public and private payers about their investments in these drugs, showing that integrating exercise is a clear and effective way to improve patient outcomes and ensure more sustainable returns for healthcare systems.