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