The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is planning to launch a rewards app to encourage people to improve their diets and increase their physical activity.
In a £3 million project it is working with the Office for Health Improvement Disparities (OHID) and HeadUp Systems on the development of app, with the aim of running a six-month pilot from next January.
It will involve users wearing a device on their wrists to measure step count and record eating fruit and vegetables in return for points to be redeemed for gym passes and discounts at selected shops.
DHSC said evidence suggests that financial incentives can improve rates of physical activity and inspire healthy eating.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I want to ensure we’re doing as much as we can to tackle health disparities across the country, and this new pilot will pave the way for developing innovative ways to improve the lives of individuals, and also help to reduce strain on the NHS.
“The Office of Health Improvement and Disparities is driving forward our levelling up agenda for health and ensuring prevention is a vital part of everything we do.
“This pilot is an excellent opportunity to find how best to inspire people to make small changes to their daily lives that will have a lasting positive impact on their health.”
Digital drive
The scheme is part of the OHID’s drive to use digital technology to improve physical health and prevent health conditions before they develop.
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.
DHSC said similar programmes overseas, such as Singapore’s National Steps Challenge, have shown promising results and it will work with international partners to inform best practice.
Image from iStock, Maryviolet
