Fat-O-Nomics: Gold's Gym Reports: Obese Americans Paying Nearly $10K in 'Fat Taxes'...

Fat-O-Nomics: Gold's Gym Reports: Obese Americans Paying Nearly $10K in 'Fat
Taxes' Each Year

Research Reveals Americans Can Fatten Their Wallets by Shrinking Their
Waistlines - Despite Tough Economy

DALLAS, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking for ways to save money during these
difficult economic times? The answer might be in your belly -- literally.

Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, today
revealed astonishing facts about the financial costs that are associated with
obesity in the U.S. According to Gold's Gym-sponsored research, Americans'
expanding waistlines comes with a price tag of $122.9 billion for the country,
with obese Americans losing nearly $10,000 per year out of their own pockets
(based on the median U.S. salary of $48,451). These are staggering figures,
particularly given the current economic condition and rising cost of living,
from higher gas to food prices.

"Americans across the country are struggling to stretch every dollar just to
put gas in their car or food on the table and the bottom line is carrying
around extra weight directly effects their bottom lines," said Robert Reames,
Gold's Gym Fitness Institute Expert specializing in training and obesity. "If
everyone began to take small steps towards healthy lifestyle changes,
including a balanced diet and regular exercise, Americans' health and
well-being would not only improve, but so would the fiscal health of our
nation."

Gold's Gym commissioned research revealed a number of eye-popping statistics
including:

The Fat-O-Nomics Breakdown*:
-- More weight means more gas that a car or truck needs to burn. Obese
Americans burn at least 9 more gallons of gas per year than a typical
American; Fat gas tax: $36

-- An average of one full week of work is lost due to obesity-related
ailments; Total lost wages: $932

-- A visit to the doctor once per year strictly for obesity-related
ailments; Co-pay: $15

-- The average American spends 4% of their annual income on clothing each
year, but those who are obese pay an extra 25% for their clothes;
Clothing surcharge: $485

-- The typical American travels by airplane 2.5 times a year at an
average
cost of $331 per flight. Americans carrying an excessive amount of
weight will often have to pay for an extra seat on these flights;
Travel
tax: $828

To help Americans start trimming the fat and adding to their wallets, Gold's
Gym is opening its doors to the public, offering a free week of fitness --
encouraging the nation to make exercise a priority so they can lead a fit and
healthy lifestyle. Gold's Gym trainers and nutrition experts will be on-hand
to offer guests a complimentary fitness assessments, tips and advice.
Consumers can simply go to www.goldsgym.com to redeem their 7 day membership.

* A complete list of findings can be obtained by contacting a Gold's Gym media
contact.

About Gold's Gym
Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest co-ed gym
chain in the world with over 620 locations in 43 states and 30 countries.
Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise,
personal training, cardiovascular equipment, spinning, Pilates and yoga. With
nearly 3 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym continues to change lives by
helping people achieve their individual potential.

SOURCE Gold?s Gym

Lindsey Winkler of MWW Group, +1-201-964-2374, lwinkler@mww.com, for Gold's
Gym; or Dave Reiseman of Gold's Gym International, +1-214-296-5062,
dreiseman@goldsgym.com