Not many people were surprised when celebrity chef Paula Deen admitted she had suffered from diabetes for three years, but Food Network fans may be shocked to spot her in workout gear sweating it out on a treadmill next to them.

That unlikely scenario might become a reality if the Southern cooking queen of the kitchen takes up the challenge by New York Sports Club, which has invited her to join the gym - before it's too late!

The fitness chain took out an ad in the January 25 edition of the New York Times that read: "Paula, you made a fortune off of fat. Call us if you want to be around to enjoy it."