Can you slim down your tax bill with exercise?

Jen S. of Minocqua, Wisconsin has a question related to fitness clubs and taxes.

Q: Can you deduct helath and fitness club membership costs or vitamins and dietary supplements from your taxes as medical expenses?

A: Exercising regularly and eating right are the most effective ways to maintain your weight and live a healthy lifestyle. It will definitely slim your waistline. But unfortunately it won't do the same for your taxes.

Fitness centers and supplements are not medical deductions for most individuals. They could potentially be considered a deduction if you made your living as a personal trainer. In that case, at least the health club membership could be considered a business expense, as long as it was used in conducting business of some sort (working with clients, etc.).

The food supplements though would not be considered deductible. But if your doctor prescribes drugs specifically for weight loss, those WOULD be deductible medical costs. Or if your doctor puts you on a prescribed weight loss program that includes something along the lines of Weight Watchers meetings or other nutritional counseling, those costs could be written off too. But once again, your food costs, even for low-fat or "diet foods" like Jenny Craig meals, are not tax deductible.

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