Fast food chains in the United States are tieing up with health clubs to distance themselves from the country’s growing concerns over obesity.

According to the US Surgeon General, more than 60 percent of American adults are obese or overweight and with the rise in the number of people taking fast food outlets to court for making them that way, the restaurant chains are hitting back.

Chicago’s Lou Malnati’s pizza chain has teamed up with Bally Total Fitness to offer customers healthier menu options. As from next month, hungry diners will be able to order a Bally’s Total pizza or a Bally’s Spinroom pizza – a spinach and mushroom combination – which are healthier and less trying on the waistband.

Earlier this year, US health club operator Bally teamed up with Macdonalds restaurants in Los Angeles. For every purchase of a premium salad, the fast food chain gave away a free two week membership at Bally gyms.

Meanwhile, restaurant chain Applebees International recently signed a five-year exclusive deal with Weight watchers, to offer customers lighter menu options useing the Weight Watcher’s trademark point system.

Commenting on the demand for Bally to work with fast food outlets, Bally spokesperson Jeff Gooding said “We’re fielding phone calls from quick-service restaurants as we speak.”