With obesity levels reaching epidemic proportions global experts in the field are focused on one goal - reversing the trend.
Key to the battle is encouraging people who are overweight or obese to exercise more.
For some, all the motivation that is needed is the promise of living a healthier lifestyle.
But for others, unless there is a tangible incentive in sight, they’d much rather skip the gym.
However, a new study has suggested a new way to help overweight and obese people shift the pounds - fine them if they don't exercise.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered people are more likely to get active if they risk losing money by skipping a workout.
Senior study author Dr Kevin Volpp, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, said: ‘Our findings demonstrate that the potential of losing a reward is a more powerful motivator.’
The study reports that although most people know that exercise is good for their health, more than 50 per cent of adults in the United States don’t get enough of it.
Follow this link to read more about their study design and findings: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3449900/What-s-key-tackling-obesity-FINE-fat-people-don-t-exercise-say-experts.html
Should their recommendations be implemented?
If you were overweight or obese would a fine provide a good incentive for you to exercise or would it feel too much like a punishment?
It is proposed that overweight and obese people should be fined if they don't exercise