From Your Health Journal…..”I have read many articles from a UK publication called the Business Insider many times. I always direct my visitors to their site for some very interesting articles, including the one in today’s review about cutting off obese people’s benefits if they refuse to exercise. This is one of those articles that may stir some controversy or conflict. There will be some people who will find this concept wonderful, while others repulsed by it. As obesity rises, as well as healthcare, many worry about this ‘next’ generation of children (and some adults) as they age, and the costs (tax money) to keep them healthy. Now, a report comes out from the UK stating the London’s Westminster Council has come up with a drastic plan to help end the UK’s growing obesity problem: cutting benefits for any obese person who refuses to exercise. Prescriptions will be given to people to actually go swimming or to fitness classes. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out, and discussion has come up about this many times over the years. If successful, you may see this trend continuing not only in the UK, but other countries. Please visit the Business Insider web site (link provided below) to view the full article.”

From the article…..

London’s Westminster Council has come up with a drastic plan to help end the UK’s growing obesity problem: cutting benefits for any obese person who refuses to exercise.

Under the proposals, doctors would be able to “prescribe” exercise such as swimming or fitness classes. Those who refused to attend penalized. Smart cards would used to monitor attendance.

The plan is described in detail in a report titled “A Dose of Localism: The Role of Councils in Public Health”.

The hope is that by fighting obesity the UK’s taxpayer funded health service can save £5 billion ($8.12 billion). The report was created as public health responsibility shifts from the NHS to local government later this year.

Reaction to the plan seems to be leaning on the negative side. British Medical Association GP committee chairman Dr Lawrence Buckman told the BBC that the plans were “some of the silliest things I’ve heard in a long time”.

“When I was first told about this I thought it was a joke,” Dr Buckman said.

Alex Thomson, chief executive think-tank Localis believes that the concept simply wouldn’t work. “Even if you check into the pool how will they know if you just sit and have a latte in the café instead?” Thomson told the Telegraph.

To read the full article…..Click here