London: A government-backed trial of free fitness trackers linked to an app to offer incentives like discount vouchers and cinema tickets to people who eat healthy and exercise more launched for the first time in the UK on Friday . He Better Health – Rewards App is being tested in Wolverhampton in England’s West Midlands, backed by a £3m government investment.
The app is free to download, and for 20 weeks, participants will earn points for each goal they complete, which they can redeem for rewards.
“The launch of the new Better Health: Rewards app today in Wolverhampton will help us see how we can empower people to make healthy lifestyle changes,” said UK Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
“The pilot is an opportunity to explore how we can further harness technology to help people improve their physical health, prevent disease before it develops and help take pressure off the NHS. [National Health Service]. I would encourage all adults in Wolverhampton to download the app today to improve their well-being and start earning exciting rewards,” she said.
Incentives will be available if users meet weekly challenges and improve their eating and physical activity behaviors.
The app also includes inexpensive tips that help users develop healthier habits, and the challenges are designed to be completed on the go—no gym membership required.
“The government is investing £3m to help people in Wolverhampton lead healthier and happier lives. The Better Health: Rewards app is aimed at empowering people to take control of their own health,” said the UK Health Minister. , Neil O’Brien.
“This is about making it easier for people to eat better and be more physically active. If you live in Wolverhampton, don’t hesitate to sign up,” he said.
National supermarkets including Sainsburys, ALDI, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda will take part in the scheme so that users can earn money from their grocery store.
Hundreds of other rewards are also on offer, including coupons and merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Argos, Primark, M&S, John Lewis and Currys and the option to redeem points for movie tickets.
The pilot, which is being delivered by the UK’s Office for the Improvement of Health and Disparities in association with Wolverhampton City Council, has been designed with advice from the man behind global rewards programs like Air Miles in the air travel.
“Throughout the pilot we will have exciting and innovative partners on board who will help motivate people to want to earn incentives, but should also help them overcome barriers to making healthy choices in the future,” said health incentives advisor Sir Keith Mills.
Obesity is estimated to cost the NHS £6.5bn a year and the latest pilot program is part of a series of government measures to combat this serious health problem and save billions of dollars for the state-funded health service over time.
