Government could pay overweight people to exercise as part of new scheme to tackle obesity

In efforts to reduce the UK’s obesity levels, the government could start paying overweight people to exercise and help them lose weight.

The UK ranks fourth in the world for its obesity rate with 63% of adults in England and one in three children starting secondary school are classed as overweight or obese. Health officials want to drive down these numbers.

With help from Sir Keith Mills – who founded the Nectar customer loyalty programme – ministers are set to receive advise on incentives and rewards that could be used to help create healthier diets and encourage people to become more physically active. 

They will also look at successful schemes from around the world including the step challenge in Singapore. 

The step challenge encouraged people to walk as they gained more ‘health points’ which eventually turned into money from the government.

Sir Keith could recommend the government roll out this type of scheme in the UK, as part of the new scheme to tackle obesity.

The government has announced a £100m package to help fight obesity with over 70m going towards weight management services in the NHS and councils.

This could mean up to 700,000 adults have access to courses such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World to help keep track of their diets and have regular weigh-ins.

A further £30m could be used on other initiatives such as the Better Health campaign that gives tips on weightloss and exercise through an NHS app.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the drive to tackle obesity has become even more urgent once it emerged that being overweight can increase people’s chances of becoming seriously ill or being admitted to hospital with the virus.

The World Obesity Federation analysed coronavirus death figures and found that in countries where more than half the population are overweight, deaths are ten times higher. The UK ranked among the worst countries.

The WOF explains that hundreds of thousands of deaths could have been avoided if countries had done more to reduce obesity in their populations.

After prime minister Boris Johnson was hospitalised after contracting the virus in April last year, he started openly speaking about his efforts to lose weight.

The Prime Minister said: “Losing weight is hard, but making small changes can make a big difference. If we all do our bit, we can reduce our own health risks – but also help take pressure off the NHS.

“This funding will give extra support to people across the country who want to lose weight too.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “The urgency of tackling obesity has been brought to the fore by evidence of the link to an increased risk from Covid-19, so it’s vital we take action on obesity to protect the NHS and improve our nation’s health.”

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “Living with obesity can have a devastating impact on people’s health and wellbeing in so many ways, not least its link this year to the increased risk from Covid.

“This investment will greatly boost services for adults struggling with their weight and raising the profile of our Better Health campaign will help to support more people to make healthier choices.”