The study found women went on two diets or health kicks last year, spending an average of? 131.57 on gym or slimming club membership and exercise equipment.
The government has launched a national slimming campaign, led by an army of 535 trainers who are drilling a five-point exercise and healthy-eating plan into state education officials.
From a practical perspective, then, exercise is never going to be an effective way of slimming, unless you have the training schedule - and the willpower - of an Olympic athlete.