New pilot to help people exercise more and eat better

Plans for a new pilot to help people exercise more and eat better are being laid out by the government in a bid to cut obesity rates.

The Department fo Health and Social Care says that the new scheme will explore the best ways to incentivise adults to make healthier choices.

Obesity related illnesses cost the NHS £6 billion a year and the scale of the challenge has been highlighted by coronavirus disproportionately affecting people who are overweight. With almost two-thirds of adults in England living with excess weight or obesity the programme will focus on incentives and rewards for healthy behaviours, including increasing physical activity and eating better to support people to live healthier lives.

The government is looking for a partner to help run the scheme, with the successful supplier set to partner with a range of organisations who can provide incentives which may include vouchers, merchandise, discounts, and gift cards to reward people for making healthy choices.

The six-month pilot is expected to launch in January 2022.

Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “This government is committed to improving the health of everyone and we want to make it easier for people to increase their physical activity and eat better. The Health Incentives scheme will help us understand the role that rewards and incentives could play, in helping people lead healthy lives. This aims to help level up the health of our nation. This scheme further demonstrates the dedication in our strategy to encourage people to lead healthier, happier lives.”