Should the Government Pay People to Lose Weight?

Interesting question ya? I’m sure many of you would say ‘No Way! Why should the government spend money to get people to slim down. Well, I ask ‘Why shouldn’t we?’

First of all, we economists believe in incentives. Many studies find that financial incentives, when they are directly linked to the achievement of goals, can be remarkably effective in getting people to change their behaviour. Now, consider these (scary) facts and figures from the Health Minister:

- 1 in 3 of our youth is overweight;
- Twelve per cent of the population in Brunei suffer from diabetes equivalent to 45,000;
- Nearly 50 per cent of patients who undergo dialysis are diabetics;
- The cost of haemodialysis per patient per year is around B$20,000;
- The cost of peritoneal dialysis per patient per year is around B$37,000;
- Forty-four limb amputations performed from Nov 2006 to Oct 2007.

All of the above are costs to the government. Not only do they burn a big hole in the government’s coffer, a nation with an obese population is not exactly the right ingredient to a healthy and productive country.

Now, the incentives must be designed cost-effectively i.e. you only pay people when they reach their target weight. The pay doesn’t even have to be massive. The way I see it, the government spend a little in order to save a lot (in the long run). Of course many will criticize that once the money runs out (or once people reach their target) then they may relapse. Yes, maybe for some people. But I am also sure that for some other, they would definitely want to maintain their slim figure. It’s a simple win-win situation.


Anyway, I’m off to the City that Never Sleeps tomorrow for our annual family vacation (Can’t Wait. Am Soooooo Excited). I guess I will see you when I return :)


NEW YORK CITY, Here We Come……………..!


Salaam.