I’d say that claim is BS. There’s great evidence that lower LDL levels (70 or under) actually reverse coronary artery disease in folks that have it, and the evidence also shows that the statins (the commonest lipid lowering drugs) are a major factor in reversing the atherosclerosis. Fewer heart attacks, fewer angioplasties, fewer bypass surgeries, fewer deaths. One of the few areas where drugs have really been shown to have a major beneficial effect.
I don’t keep track of other country’s standards, but frankly they’ve been pushing statins harder in many european countries for years longer than we have been over here.
Or even without the gym membership, just go for a 20-30 minute walk around your neighborhood. The health benefits are the same, the scenery is often better, and it’s cheaper. You can even incorporate it into your daily routine: If the grocery store, or your church, or some other place you go to frequently is in walking distance, just walk there instead of driving. Or even walk to the fast-food place or the coffee shop, if you can’t cut back on those: It’s the worst of both worlds to drive to get your empty calories.