Americans Embarrassed by Nation's High Rate of Obesity Says Bally Total Fitness' First Every Body Needs Something Survey.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 2004

Lack of Education and Conflicting Advice to Blame for U.S. Health Epidemic; Americans Begging for Synergistic Diet and Exercise Solution

An overwhelming majority of Americans are embarrassed by the nation's obesity epidemic, according to the Every Body Needs Something(TM) Survey released today by Bally Total Fitness (NYSE: BFT). The survey found that more than 97 percent of Americans are aware that the United States is the world's fattest nation and more than 64 percent state that this is embarrassing to them personally and for our country.

The Every Body Needs Something Survey also suggests that the scope of the problem may exceed even the most recent estimates that 30 percent of Americans are overweight and 64 percent are obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more (Centers for Disease Control). More than 50 percent of survey respondents indicated that they are overweight, of which more than 55 percent felt a need to lose more than 20 pounds, and 21 percent stated a need to lose more than 40 pounds.

"While fashion magazines regularly feature advice about how to lose those last five pounds, the Every Body Needs Something Survey found that 99 percent of the population who wants to lose weight, wants to lose more than five pounds. Sugar-coating the problem isn't the answer - Americans need real information, and real solutions to this epidemic," said Paul Toback, Chairman and CEO of Bally Total Fitness. "The good news is that few respondents believe that laziness or lack of motivation is the problem. In fact, more than 75 percent cite a need for comprehensive diet and fitness information offered in an easy-to-access, one-stop-shop environment."

The nationally projectable survey, conducted in December 2003, polled a random sample of Americans aged 18 and older. The Every Body Needs Something Survey is the first in a regular series of surveys to be conducted by Bally Total Fitness to evaluate the needs of Americans in their efforts to become healthier and fit. Bally Total Fitness will use the results of these surveys to develop the products and services necessary to get America back on the path to good health.

Does America Really Want to Get Fit?

While the majority of Americans - nearly 70 percent - were angry or embarrassed about the scope of America's weight problem, the Every Body Needs Something Survey revealed a high level of conflict and contradiction between feelings and actions. For example:

-- Americans were quick to point the finger at junk food and the

fast food industry, with 80 percent citing fast food, busy

lifestyles or junk food as being to blame for America's

collective weight problem.

-- More than 97 percent of survey respondents who felt they were

unfit or overweight want to lose weight, yet only 25 percent

are currently following a diet program.

-- Aerobic exercise, personal training, and weight training - all

readily available at most gyms - were cited by survey

participants as the top three needs for their bodies. However,

only 20 percent belong to a fitness facility.

-- Indeed, more than 83 percent of all adults claim to want

complete nutritional information on menus but only 39 percent

profess that the information would influence their food

choices.

-- Interestingly, even though losing weight on any program is

fundamentally a function of calories expended exceeding

calories ingested, only 35 percent count calories.

Toback continued, "Fad diets only add to the confusion and contribute to the yo-yo syndrome so many of us experience. Our personal trainers are amazed at how many of our members are afraid of carbs, or refuse to eat carrots because they are high in sugar. Let's face it, none of us are overweight from eating too many carrots. Simply put, extreme diets do not work long-term. What works is a moderate approach to eating, coupled with exercise. This is the only sustainable weight loss regiment. It always has been and always will be."

All Lies and Jest? Or a Case of Selective Hearing?

Despite the fact that Americans are bombarded with information about all kinds of diets, respondents to the Every Body Needs Something Survey were consistently misinformed about the calories and fat contained in most foods.

-- On average, respondents believed that a latte, a pizza slice

and a fried chicken breast have approximately the same caloric 

and fat content.

-- A latte has about 260 calories and 14 grams of fat, a pizza

slice has approximately 350 calories and 18 grams of fat and a

fried chicken breast has 470 calories and 28 grams of fat.

-- For those monitoring their food intake, the carbs vs. fat wars

are evenly matched - 40 percent of survey respondents count

carbs and 40 percent count fat.

-- Although 80 percent of respondents feel that fast food is a

leading cause of America being overweight, a staggering 38

percent would still consume a fast food meal containing more

than 500 calories and 50 grams of fat.

"Look at the Best Sellers lists on any given week, and a multitude of diet books preaching conflicting information will be there. Yet, we consistently underestimate the nutritional value of the most popular foods Americans consume - from a latte to a hot dog," added Toback. "What people need to understand is the relationship between diet and exercise - increasing metabolism helps the body use calories more efficiently, no matter what diet you follow. It also helps raise metabolic rate, which is key to keeping weight off."

About Bally Total Fitness

Bally Total Fitness is the largest and only nationwide, commercial operator of fitness centers, with approximately four million members and nearly 420 facilities located in 29 states, Canada, Asia and the Caribbean under the Bally Total Fitness(R), Crunch Fitness(SM), Gorilla Sports(SM), Pinnacle Fitness(R), Bally Sports Clubs(R) and Sports Clubs of Canada(R) brands. With more than 150 million annual visits to its clubs, Bally offers a unique platform for distribution of a wide range of products and services targeted to active, fitness-conscious adult consumers. For more information, visit www.ballyfitness.com.