Obesity Jobs: Should The Government Pay You To Lose Weight? Some Say ‘Yes’

Obesity is a crisis that affects much of the world especially here in the United States.

In fact, until 2013, the U.S. was considered the most obese nation in the world, period. That dubious distinction was taken by Mexico last year, according to CBS News. America’s neighbors to the south report that as much as 70 percent of adults are considered suffering from obesity.

Now a government agency in the U.K. — which comes in slightly under the U.S. and Mexico obesity statistics — believes that overweight people should be compensated for losing weight, but only if they have jobs.

The Mirror reports that the NHS has radical new plans to compensate overweight people who cut down on their size through gift vouchers or cash payments.

The monies are being made available to employers. Those funds would trickle down to employees who are able to cut back in exchange for their weight loss results.

On the surface, it might sound a little crazy. But supporters of the plans point out that the U.K. spends more than £5 billion (or just north of $8 billion) treating problems related to obesity, so it could actually be a boon to the healthcare system.

Still, one top doctor, in speaking with the Mirror, doesn’t believe it goes far enough.

“This policy will do nothing to help the millions of unemployed and the growing numbers of self-employed people who may need help but won’t qualify,” said Dr. Clive Peedell.

Nevertheless, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens thinks it’s a good idea.

“Employers in many countries have voluntary schemes for employees where, for example, you actually get cash back based on ­participation in Weight Watchers or other type schemes,” Stevens said, adding that it could be a great way to get employees motivated to lose weight and to challenge their fellow co-workers to do the same.

Reddit users aren’t convinced, and they’ve been mercilessly making fun of the plan.

“Capitalism-problems: ‘We’re too rich and I can’t stop eating!'” said one commenter.

“I’m fat -> Free money -> Buy soda, HFCS and grains -> I’m fatter,” wrote another.

“So the question is, can you get paid more to lose a pound than it costs to gain a pound? If so, you can make a living by getting fat and then losing it, ad infinitum,” said another.

What do you think, readers? Should governments stem the healthcare crisis caused by obesity by paying people to lose weight? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

[Image via ShutterStock]