Top Stories in Fitness: GLP-1 Breakthroughs, Mental Health Advocacy, and Business Moves Shaping the Future
This week’s top fitness industry news highlights the growing intersection of health, wellness, and innovation. From major clinical findings and mental health advocacy to strategic leadership shifts and brand partnerships, these stories are shaping the future of fitness—from the boardroom to the gym floor.
GLP-1 Use Tied to 44% Drop in Cardiac Hospitalizations and Slower Healthcare Cost Growth
A recent analysis conducted by global professional services firm Aon reveals that GLP-1 medications may significantly reduce cardiac hospitalizations and long-term healthcare costs in employer-sponsored health plans. Based on U.S. commercial health claims data from 139,000 GLP-1 users between 2022 and 2024, the multi-year study highlights both clinical and economic benefits of GLP-1 use.
Key findings from the study include a 44% reduction in the risk of hospitalizations for major adverse cardiovascular events—such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure—within 24 months of starting GLP-1 therapy. The analysis also showed fewer claims for conditions such as pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, and alcohol and substance use disorders. However, there was an increase in claims related to arthritis, thyroid and esophageal disorders, and sleep-wake disturbances, potentially indicating greater overall healthcare engagement.
Following an initial rise in costs during treatment initiation, medical spend growth slowed in the second year of GLP-1 treatment. Aon recorded a seven-percentage point improvement in cost growth compared to a matched control group. These trends suggest the potential for long-term economic gains, including lower absenteeism and reduced disability claims.
“When you consider the indirect costs of obesity, such as the treatment of comorbidities and absenteeism, the overall economic burden is striking,” said Farheen Dam, head of Health Solutions for North America at Aon. “Our preliminary insights show that GLP-1s – when paired with a wellbeing and adherence program that includes nutrition, exercise and mental health resources – can reduce long-term healthcare expenditures and even enhance workforce productivity.”
The analysis leveraged Aon’s proprietary Health Risk Analyzer tool to assess cost and risk patterns across large datasets. While GLP-1 medications remain costly, the data suggests that they may offer downstream savings when integrated into structured obesity management strategies.
“Obesity is an escalating global epidemic, impacting nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults, contributing to more than 60 chronic conditions and costing the U.S. economy up to $1.72 trillion annually,” said Greg Case, CEO of Aon.
As part of its commitment to improving employee health, Aon has launched a pilot GLP-1 benefit program for U.S. employees in collaboration with eMed. The program includes access to virtual care, at-home blood tests, and 24/7 symptom management tools to support adherence and equitable access.
“Making this investment is essential to delivering value and achieving results,” said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer of Aon. “We're proving that it's possible to offer access to GLP-1s affordably and with dignity — and that doing so can benefit both people and the bottom line.”
The findings will be featured at the Milken Institute Global Conference on May 5, where experts will discuss the role of prevention and data-driven strategies in managing chronic conditions.
“Aon's analysis underscores the critical role that innovative, data-driven approaches can play in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By quantifying both the health and economic benefits of GLP-1 access, this work not only advances the dialogue around obesity management in the U.S. workforce, it also paves the way for scalable, global solutions that prioritize prevention and long-term impact,” said Esther Krofah, executive vice president at Milken Institute Health.
Mental Health in the Fitness Industry
As part of Mental Health Month, All Things Fitness and Wellness presents a powerful new episode featuring Derek Gallup, a longtime fitness industry executive who shares a deeply personal look into how fitness helped him navigate mental health challenges and personal loss.
With leadership roles at UFC Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, and New Evolution Ventures, Derek brings decades of professional insight—but this episode shifts focus from career accolades to the emotional resilience required both in and out of the gym.
Derek candidly discusses the impact of supporting a partner through mental health struggles, the role of fitness in processing grief, and the importance of creating meaningful conversations around mental well-being in the fitness space. He also highlights his support for the SPARKLE Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health advocacy.
Host Krissy also opens up about her own emotional journey, adding further depth to this timely and heartfelt conversation.
This episode is a call to action for the fitness world: to balance physical strength with emotional resilience and to foster communities that support both.
This Week in Fitness
In the latest episode of This Week in Fitness, host Krissy Vann delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of the top headlines driving the business of fitness—covering industry-shaping moves, health tech partnerships, and lifestyle brand integrations—all in under five minutes.
This week’s top stories include:
- NASM announces a new Strategic Advisory Board chaired by fitness visionaries Mark Mastrov and Neal Spruce, aimed at guiding the organization’s growth and innovation strategy.
- 24 Hour Fitness launches Recovery24 and Premium Fit24, enhancing its in-club offerings with recovery-focused amenities and elevated training experiences.
- Novo Nordisk teams up with Hims & Hers, LifeMD, and Ro to expand access to Wegovy® through telehealth platforms.
- Aon publishes a major GLP-1 impact study, revealing a 44% reduction in cardiovascular-related hospitalizations and improved long-term medical spend outcomes.
- Life Time designates FitVine Wine as the official sponsor of Life Time Pickleball, combining wellness with lifestyle appeal.
- Strava partners with Wellness Pet Company to launch the Minutes That Matter Challenge, encouraging movement with pets in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Stay connected to the stories shaping the fitness landscape. This Week in Fitness is your fast track to staying informed and keeping your business strategy strong.
Fitness Insights
As the fitness industry continues to evolve, these headlines underscore the importance of integrating physical, emotional, and economic well-being. Stay tuned for the fitness news that matters—helping you stay informed, inspired, and ready to lead.
