Would YOU do it?
Many overweight and obese individuals have tried to lose weight but had no success. Would getting paid to lose weight motivate people to actually do it?
The mayor of an Italian town, Gianluca Buonanno thinks so. He is paying his residents to lose weight. Yes you heard right!
Buonanno came up with a plan for people in his town to get involved in a great "group exercising" program. Males will get 50 euros (that's about 80 dollars) for losing 9 pounds a month and women will get the same amount of money for losing 7 pounds. If the weight stays off for 5 months, they will get 200 euros.
Seeing recent surveys showing that 35 percent of Italians are overweight or obese, was the primary factor for creating this type of "help". Source.
Why are Italians considered to be more overweight or obese? Can it be because they make the most delicious food? I think that might be one factor.
I think this is such a good (but sneaky idea) for someone to have. In my thinking, normally, mayors really don't think of the health issues of a community, they just consider if the community in general is okay. There really isn't something in it for him and it is great to see someone stepping up and helping other people's futures and health.
Do you want your mayor to do the same too?
Some argue that using money as motivation may not make sense because the city or the country does not owe obese people anything to lose weight. The motivation to lose weight should come from their own. I think a lot of people do NOT have the motivation and need that extra guidance for help, from someone.
Another option of giving cash, the government could give tax rebates for purchase of fitness equipments for a home or even a gym membership.
I think that when money is involved, anything will work and it's great that a nice Italian mayor is out to help his community!
Until next blog,
Christina
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