UK government’s health app could be ‘incredibly damaging’ to people with eating disorders
Eating disorder charity Beat warns that the UK government’s incentive-based health app ‘has the potential to be incredibly damaging’ to people with eating disorders.
A pilot scheme that will require users to don wrist-worn devices that can generate personalised health recommendations, such as increasing their step count, eating more fruit and vegetables and decreasing portions, will be piloted in Wolverhampton.
Users will collect points for these healthy behaviours in an app that can be redeemed for a cash value in a variety of retailers and leisure outlets.
Health bosses said the pilot scheme will explore how financial incentives and rewards could help individuals live healthier lives and reduce health disparities across the country.
Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at eating disorder charity Beat, is urging the government to put extra safeguards in place to protect those at risk of eating disorders and to not open the scheme to all without question.
‘While we appreciate the importance of reducing obesity at a population level, it is essential that it is done in a holistic, evidence-based, and non-stigmatising way, without any extra risk to those affected by eating disorders.
‘Incentivising weight loss and exercise would make carrying out those behaviours even more attractive to those affected by eating disorders and has the potential to be incredibly damaging.
“It is essential that the pilot puts extra safeguards in place to protect those at risk, and does not open the scheme to all without question.’
Health bosses said the 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.
HeadUp Systems has been chosen to deliver the new scheme, with £3m also coming from the Department of Health and Social Care to provide incentives. Sir Keith Mills, who launched reward programmes through Airmiles and Nectar points, will also advise the OHID.
The pilot will launch in early 2022 and will run for six months.
Health bosses said Wolverhampton was chosen due to its large population size, with a third of residents classed as being physically inactive and a below average number of adults in the city eating their five-a-day.
The City of Wolverhampton Council expressed an interest in hosting the pilot scheme to support its ongoing work and significant investment in encouraging its residents to live more healthy lives.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “This pilot scheme will test innovative approaches to using rewards and incentives to make it easier for people to adopt healthier habits.
“We are committed to developing the scheme in a way that empowers people to make healthier changes to their lifestyle – while not negatively impacting people currently suffering or recovering from eating disorders, or people at a higher risk of developing them.”
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contact Beat 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or via beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
