In a story from news.bbc.co.uk , the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the NHS in England and Wales, believes incentives may help tackle obesity, smoking and drinking, but wants to gather more evidence before a formal recommendation.
It is not the first time the body has considered incentives. It has already backed rewards to encourage people off drugs.
Several areas have already started their own schemes - and the results have given some encouragement.
In Tayside, smokers have been offered vouchers for groceries in return for quitting. The scheme has proved twice as effective as standard support. Also, in Kent cash payments have been given to people who lose weight.
Incentives have also been used elsewhere in the world. For example, in Germany social insurance contributions are reduced if people attend services such as smoking cessation and screening.
With thanks to news.bbc.co.uk.
To read the full story go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8692241.stm
