1 Exhibit 23 DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP - -------------- 2500 One PPG Place Telephone: (412) 338-7200 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-5401 Facsimile: (412) 338-7380 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of General Nutrition Companies, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated March 21, 1996, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of General Nutrition Companies, Inc. for the year ended February 3, 1996 and to the reference to us under the heading "Interests of Named Experts and Counsel" in this Registration Statement. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania February 6, 1997 - --------------- DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU INTERNATIONAL - ---------------