The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has welcomed World Obesity’s joint position statement putting integrated lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, as an essential element of care in the use of obesity medications.

WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler explains, “Growing sport, physical activity and movement is a strategic priority for our 150+ members who are committed to driving unified and systemic impact to empower more people be physically active and enjoying the health benefits that brings. As the industry that moves the world, we recognise the important role we can play and stand ready to collaborate on the actions outlined by the World Obesity Federation.”

The WFSGI is a non-state actor in official relations with the World Health Organisation and supports their conditional recommendations for using such obesity medications as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity and support from health professionals.

The global physical inactivity crisis is one of the most urgent threats to both public health and the long-term growth of the sporting goods industry. Through our Physical Activity Committee, the WFSGI brings the global sporting goods industry together to drive unified and lasting action to increase physical activity worldwide, strengthening people’s motivation and opportunities to be active.

The WFSGI actively supports the World Obesity Federation’s Key Actions for global policymakers and health system leaders as they look to improve the long-term health outcomes of nearly three billion adults worldwide who are overweight or living with obesity. These include:

  • Protecting and expanding investment in prevention infrastructure and community based programs
  • Ensuring equitable access to both treatment and supportive services
  • Aligning health and economic policy to recognise the value of prevention

Click here to read the new World Obesity Position Statement: physical activity and nutrition must be central to obesity care

Click here to download the WFSGI Physical Activity Impact Report