LA Fitness to launch obesity action plan in May

Following a nationwide study into exercise and weight loss, LA Fitness is to launch an obesity action plan next month.

The company’s 12 week study involved 200 participants, most of whom had never been in a gym before.

The participants were asked not to alter their food intake, but were given a tailored exercise programme for the 12 weeks. They were also assigned a personal trainer for one hour a week to help maintain motivation levels.

The average weight loss over the 12 weeks was 6kg (13lbs) and body mass index was reduced from an average of 33 to 31 (a reading of 30 upwards is classed as obese).

The study found that maintaining high motivation levels was key to keeping participants on board as well as offering regular encouragement and support.

On the back of this research, LA Fitness is to launch a pilot scheme to help overweight people maintain the motivation needed for successful and sustainable weight loss.

Starting at selected clubs next month, the company will offer a free, weekly drop-in session for GP referrals. The sessions, catering for up to 15 people, will offer support and advice on how to incorporate activity into everyday life.

Participants that miss two consecutive sessions will be replaced by others. The pilot scheme will run for up to two months and depending on its success, will be rolled out to clubs throughout the country.

“The government is doing an excellent job in raising awareness relating to food-related problems, particularly obesity, but it now needs to put more emphasis on solutions revolving around activity,” said the chief executive of LA Fitness, Fred Turok. “Much more work needs to be one to make the public understand the benefits of exercise and expert advice need to be made more readily available,” he said.

The company recently teamed up with TOAST (The Obesity Awareness & Solutions Trust), the national charity that aims to raise awareness and understanding of obesity and provide support to those wanting to lose weight.

The month-long joint awareness campaign included a parliamentary reception and free drop-in sessions for people wanting help and advice.

Meanwhile, LA Fitness has reported record first half turnover and profit in its interim results. Turnover for the six months to 31 January 2004 grew by 27 per cent to £38.4m and profits before tax grew by 34 per cent to £3.7m. Net debt was reduced by £3.3m to £48.2m and the interim dividend increased by 20 per cent to 0.53p.

A new membership management and customer relationship system is currently being introduced throughout the estate to further increase yield per member and improve member retention.

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