Due to the current financial constraints Americans are facing, there are apparently less people focusing on keeping fit and changing their appearance.

Workers who need some funds to pay for health treatment or trips to the gym may benefit from taking out a short-term loan.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), US consumers are less likely to opt for cosmetic surgery than they once were, while gym memberships fell last year for the first time in a decade.

Citing research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the news provider indicated that 53 percent of ASPS members have reported a slowdown in business since citizens began feeling the bite of the credit crunch.

People have less disposable income due to a variety of price hikes on consumer goods. ASPS president Richard D'Amico stated that the society is a "luxury provider", which perhaps explains its reduced activity.

The AP also highlighted a recent survey from the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association, which has claimed that memberships averaging $35 per month dropped to 41.5 million from 42.7 million in 2006.

Last month, Americans had to deal with gas prices of more than $4 per gallon, increasing their everyday expenditure yet further.

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