A new health and fitness app offering incentives for healthy lifestyle choices has been launched in Wolverhampton, England, with the support of the UK government. The Better Health: Rewards app, which is the first of its kind in the country, will provide participants with personalized health goals that align with the Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines and the Eatwell Guide for a balanced diet.
Users will be given free fitness trackers that are linked to the app, and they can earn points for completing specific health goals, such as increasing their step count or eating more fruit and vegetables. Over a period of 20 weeks, the points can be exchanged for rewards that include discounts for gym memberships, cinema tickets, and food or clothing vouchers. The government has set aside £3 million in funding for the incentives program.
The Better Health: Rewards app also includes budget-friendly tips to help users develop healthier habits, and the challenges are designed to be completed anywhere, so no gym is required. National supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, ALDI, Morrisons, Tesco, and ASDA are participating in the scheme, so users can also earn money from their food shops. Hundreds of other rewards are on offer, including vouchers and merchandise from retailers such as Amazon, Argos, Primark, M&S, John Lewis, and Curry’s.
Gyms and leisure centers in Wolverhampton, including PureGym, Places Leisure, Complexions, and WV Active, are offering vouchers and discounts, while users can also swap points for cinema tickets or family activities. The pilot, which is being delivered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council, has benefited from expert advice from Sir Keith Mills, pioneer of leading reward programs Airmiles and Nectar.
The Better Health: Rewards app aims to empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices, improve their physical health, and prevent illnesses from developing. It also seeks to ease pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). Health Secretary Steve Barclay encourages all adults in Wolverhampton to download the app to improve their well-being and start earning rewards. Adults over the age of 18 who live in Wolverhampton can sign up for the Better Health: Rewards app by downloading it from their app store or visiting Wolverhampton.gov.uk/rewards to find out more.
The government’s investment in the Better Health: Rewards app shows its commitment to supporting people to lead healthier and happier lives. Health Minister Neil O’Brien stated that the app aims to put people in control of their own health and make it easier for them to eat better and increase physical activity. The pilot will help to explore how technology can further support people in leading healthy lifestyles.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
