This 35-minute session explores the rapidly evolving role of anti-obesity medications within a broader, evidence-based approach to health. Moving beyond polarised narratives of “quick fixes” versus “willpower,” the panel will critically examine what current clinical trial and real-world data show about effectiveness, sustainability, and limitations.
The discussion will situate pharmacotherapy within the wider system of obesity management, highlighting the central role of physical activity, looking beyond weight outcomes, but for preserving lean mass, improving metabolic health, and supporting long-term maintenance. The session will also address the behavioural adaptations required to translate short-term pharmacological success into durable health gains.
Drawing on
clinical experience, real patient journeys will be shared to illustrate both
opportunities and challenges in practice, including adherence, expectations,
and equity of access. The aim is to equip professionals in the physical
activity sector with a balanced, practical understanding of how these
medications intersect with physical activity, coaching, and behaviour change.
Key themes
Future Fit Group
| Mark is a seasoned curriculum and training specialist in the world of active leisure and fitness education, with over two decades of experience. Since stepping into his current role as Curriculum Manager, he’s been the driving force behind upgrading vocational fitness programmes into high-quality, industry-leading offerings. Working closely with awarding bodies and sector partners, he’s not just met standards, he’s helped raise them. Mark is far from a behind-the-scenes operator. He has played a key role in achieving excellent Ofsted outcomes and has a real knack for making learning both impactful and enjoyable. Just as importantly, he stays actively involved on the front line, teaching classes, working with personal training clients, and delivering strength and conditioning. At heart, he’s all about helping others grow, integrating new innovations, building strong teams, and keeping the world of fitness education lively, practical, and motivating. |
Future fit, RCGP, parkrun
| Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi is a GP with an extended role in lifestyle medicine, personal trainer and health coach. He is a team GB long distance triathlete. Movement, community, and nutrition are three cornerstones of his personal and professional life. He has a varied portfolio career across several sectors. These include being parkrun's health partnerships lead, Royal College of GPs lifestyle and physical activity lead, Leamington NHS personalised care lead, as well as a SWIM England clinical advisor and a senior board member for Sport in Mind. He runs a pioneering NHS based lifestyle clinic and fitness club helping to educate and support patients to eat better, move more and connect with their community. He has a strong focus on weight management, health span and social prescribing. He is a well-respected educator delivering numerous talks and lectures to audiences both professional and public including regular TV and radio appearances including over 80 appearances on Channel 4, BBC & ITV including This Morning, GMB and BBC news. He has over 20 medical journal publications. |
