Participants will be given wrist-worn devices and access to an app which will generate personalised health recommendations, such as increasing their step count or eating more fruit and vegetables.
The new scheme will be part of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ (OHID) drive to use digital technology to improve physical health and prevent health conditions before they develop.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This pilot is an exciting opportunity to see how we can empower people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle and I would encourage all adults in Wolverhampton to come forward and register their interest.
“Taking part will help us better understand how rewards can help motivate people to make small adjustments to their daily lives that will have a lasting positive impact on their health. I want to make it easier for people to make healthy choices and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is driving forward our levelling up agenda for health across the country.”
Obesity-related illnesses cost the NHS £6Bn a year and according to research Covid-19 disproportionately affects people who are overweight. With almost two-thirds of adults in England living with excess weight or obesity, the programme will focus on incentives and rewards for healthy behaviours.
David Parfitt, strategy director at HeadUp, said: “To support this innovative healthy rewards programme, we’re committed to engaging with the local authority, local residents, businesses and stakeholders across Wolverhampton to help shape and refine the pilot and support local people and the community from a health perspective.
“We believe in the power of good health to transform people and communities for the better and cannot wait to work with people in Wolverhampton to bring this to life and make it a great success.”
The pilot will launch in early 2022 and will run for six months.