The European Health & Fitness (EHFA) and the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) have joined forces to form a working committee.

The working group will be made up of two representatives of each organisation: Hans Muench and Alison O’Kane will represent IHRSA and Herman Rutgers and Jean-Ann Marnoch will represent EHFA.

In a joint statement, Michael Levy, IHRSA chair and Harm Tegelaars, EHFA president, said: “We are experiencing a worldwide epidemic of obesity and a host of chronic and life-threatening diseases that could be eliminated or controlled through regular exercise.

“The health and fitness industry can and should play a pivotal role in improving the health of all Europeans. We are uniquely positioned to provide the public with the facilities and personal support they need to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

“In order to for the industry to take its rightful place in the healthcare sector, we must engage governments, the media, and the healthcare community at all levels – local, national, EU and global. This is no small task and require commitment, effort and action from all stakeholders in the industry to make it happen.”