Obesity in the United States has reached record levels and has serious ramifications for our economy, security, and welfare.
To combat this dire problem, the government should begin a voluntary program that offers incentives in the form of tax rebates or student loan forgiveness to those who exercise according to nationally recognized health guidelines. Investment in this program would be returned many-fold with the reduction in national and business healthcare costs.
While this program would not be without challenges such as applying incentives equally to the disabled and properly tracking exercise habits in a way that respects privacy, it is possible, and necessary, that we begin to formally encourage and reward those who are willing work towards a healthier America