Two Plans to Combat Obesity

In Dubai biggest losers are rewarded with gold. There was a five week contest to draw attention and raise awareness about the rising obesity rates across the Gulf region. Hundreds of people lost at least 4.4 pounds in order to qualify for a gold payout. The biggest loser, a man who lost 48 pounds in the contest, earned $3,200 worth. This is my kind of incentive!

In another plan, in the USA, (think Gulf of Mexico region) a project giving an extra 30 cents for every dollar in food stamps spent on fruits and vegetables for a six month period showed a 25% increase in the consumption of healthier choices that should lead to a decrease in obesity. The UDSA research also finds that SNAP (federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) stimulates $9 of economic activity for every $5 it spends and this is good for our economy. This is also an interesting incentive.

After careful consideration and thinking both plans over carefully, you guessed it, I’d rather go for the gold.