Plans for a new pilot to help people exercise more and eat better were laid out yesterday by the Government, whilst it searches for a partner to help run the scheme.

The new scheme is set to explore the best ways to incentivise adults to make healthier choices, with the pilot expected to launch in January 2022.

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 increased physical activity and eating better to support people to live healthier lives.

Obesity-related illnesses cost the NHS £6 billion a year and the scale of the challenge has been highlighted by COVID-19 disproportionately affecting people who are overweight.

The successful supplier will 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.

Jo Churchill,Public Health Minister, said, “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.

"There are promising international examples of health incentives programmes, such as Singapore’s National Steps Challenge, and the government is looking to understand the value of these programmes to inform what can be achieved in England."

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager