The soaring popularity of pharmaceutical weight loss aids is creating an unexpected boom for Britain's fitness sector, according to the chief executive of a major low-cost gym chain. Will Orr, who leads The Gym Group, has revealed that medications like GLP-1 agonists are acting as a significant "tailwind" for business, driving increased demand for gym memberships as users seek to maintain results and build muscle.
From Jab to Gym: A New Health Synergy
Mr Orr stated the company is "absolutely" observing the impact of these drugs, viewing the trend as a prime opportunity to help individuals sustain their weight loss. This synergy comes amid growing academic evidence highlighting the crucial role of exercise for those using such treatments. Research from the University of Oxford recently underscored the need for continuous support to prevent weight regain, while separate studies from University College London and the University of Cambridge pointed to potential muscle loss among users, making strength training vital.
"GLP-1s can reduce muscle density," Mr Orr explained, emphasising that building strength at the gym is therefore important for people on these medications. This combination of pharmaceutical and physical intervention is reshaping wellness routines across the UK.
Accelerated Expansion Amid Surging Demand
The comments accompanied a robust trading update from The Gym Group, which has prompted an accelerated expansion plan. The firm now expects to open 75 new sites over the next three years, a significant increase from the 50 previously planned. Of these, 20 are slated to open in 2026 alone.
This confidence follows strong financial results. For the year ended 31 December, total revenue climbed 8% to £244.9 million, with like-for-like revenue up 3%. Membership numbers also grew healthily, rising 4% from 891,000 to 923,000. The company successfully opened 16 new sites in 2025, meeting its target.
Gen Z and Wellness: A Broader 'Juggernaut' Trend
While weight loss medications are a clear contributor, analysts and the company's leadership point to a larger cultural shift. Investment bank Peel Hunt cited GLP-1 drugs alongside Generation Z's view of fitness as "mandatory" as key drivers of sustained demand. The Gym Group reports that around 40% of its members now come from the younger Gen Z demographic, attracted by its value-focused model.
Mr Orr believes there is a wider, enduring trend at play, describing health, fitness, and wellness as "juggernaut trends that are not going anywhere." The company's low-cost, high-value offering continues to resonate in a cost-conscious market.
Looking ahead, The Gym Group, which currently operates 260 UK sites with roughly 70 million annual visits, sees "significant opportunities." The firm also announced a £10 million share buyback programme, funded by surplus cash and expected to conclude by the end of 2026. Full-year results will be published on 11 March.
