I really dont think its the benefit of the American taxpayer to allow the goverment to pay people to lose weight. I understand it could, could being the operative term, cut insurance costs but theres no guarantee that it would. Meanwhile our tax dollars would be wasted on getting some people to slim down. Whos fault is it that they are that way? I certainly didnt force them to eat that extra box of chocolates nor did I force them engage in other bad eating habits. I understand the idea of money incentives in order to stimulate a desire to lose weight. Well I say reverse it. Make them pay the government for being fat. After al someone might be more inclined to do this if they are being forced to pay out. If they lose the weight they will eventually not have to pay at all. How about using negative reinforcement instead of positive reinforcement in this case? Now before you go out and scream that my proposal is unfair. What about those of us that do maintain our weight and eat healthy? Isnt paying fatties to lose weight unfair to us? What are we being rewarded with? Increased taxes to pay for the fat proposal. Thisislissa - explain how you think that fitness actually grants all those items. I am exercise regularly and am fit however this does not grant me a higher income. It also does not give me more dating opportunities as I have not had a date in 5 years. None of those benefits you mentioned are inherent in being physically fit. Yes I would begrudge overweight folks these measlie sums. I believe you have to earn it. I REFUSE TO PAY SOME FATTIE TO LOSE WEIGHT.