Childhood obesity is an issue all over the world, and South Korea is tackling the epidemic head on. The government is sending vouchers to elementary school students whose body mass indexes indicate that they are obese. The electronic vouchers will come in denominations up to 40,000 won (about $33.58) per month and can only be used at health clubs or other places that can aid in weight loss.
According to the Reuters article, costs to the government and the economy that are related to childhood obesity were 2 trillion won in 2006. These figures indicate that the voucher program is a cost-effective option. The voucher program follows another aggressive South Korean initiative from earlier this year, when the sale of soft drinks was banned in schools.
Government-Subsidized Gyms
South Korea Combats Childhood Obesity
Trend Themes
1. Government-subsidized Fitness Programs - Governments around the world can implement fitness programs to combat childhood obesity, like South Korea's voucher program that can be used at health clubs.
2. Electronic Vouchers for Fitness - Electronic vouchers programs can be a cost-effective way to incentivize and support physical fitness and weight loss for children and adults.
3. Public-private Partnerships for Health - Public-private partnerships can be effective when creating programs that support healthy lifestyles, such as subsidized fitness programs for children.
Industry Implications
1. Gyms and Fitness Centers - Fitness centers and gyms that accept electronic vouchers can capitalize on government-subsidized fitness programs to attract more customers.
2. Government and Public Health - Governments and public health institutions can partner with private organizations to fund initiatives that promote physical fitness and prevent childhood obesity.
3. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can develop programming to support public-private partnerships and subsidized fitness programs aimed at reducing childhood obesity.