Washington DC city councillors have approved a controversial “fitness tax” on businesses such as health clubs and yoga studios, despite strong opposition from activity advocates.

Members of the city’s health and fitness community set up a campaign against the proposals – encompassing street protests, petitions and social media groups – warning that the tax could price poor people out of physical activity.

In a country where 35 per cent of adults are classified as obese, it is feared that the 5.75 per cent sales tax – which also covers tanning salons among other businesses – will have damning consequences for those straddling the bread line.

The tax – which is expected to raise around US$5m (€3.7m, £2.9m) per year for the district – was passed by a 9-4 vote and will come into effect from 1 January 2015.

In a statement on its website posted prior to the tax vote, IHRSA wrote:

"For the sake of public health, governments (at every level) should be doing everything in their power to promote physical activity and make it easier to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

"In fact, the tax proposal before the DC Council would continue the sales tax exemptions for groceries, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs. Given that exercise is routinely prescribed by physicians, it is illogical and unnecessary to distinguish a fitness membership from a prescription or non-prescription drug."