Losing weight can be very difficult for many millions around the world, and the business of weight loss is worth millions, with companies selling new and improved methods and products for individuals to buy in the hope they could lose the excess fat. One very tempting way individuals would be motivated to lose weight is if they were offered something in return that they may not be able to afford otherwise. Dubai is doing just that – offering their citizens gold in exchange for them to lose weight.
One gram of gold is offered for every kilogram lost, as Dubai government takes extreme measures to tackle the country’s obesity crisis. Government officials are offering a gram of gold – worth about £30 at current prices – for each kilogram of weight lost in a 30-day challenge.
The initiative is sponsored by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
Startling figures from 2009 claim 40 per cent of Emirates women are obese.
The new slimming scheme has started and runs until August 16, 2013. Three campaign-winning losers who enter a lucky draw will receive a gold coin each worth £3,500.
The minimum amount of weight lost to qualify for the scheme is 4.4lbs before golden losers can start earning their weight in gold.
Data from 2000 revealed that more than 50% of the country’s population is obese or overweight, and 13.5% have diabetes — the second-highest rate of the disease in the world.
The programme was launched to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan. Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai municipality has said: “Ramadan is the most appropriate season to launch such initiatives as it reminds us of the many health benefits of reducing weight and encourages us to take steps to change our bad lifestyles.”
Asian World asked local gold businesses and people trying to lose weight what they thought about this initiative, and if this would spur them on to shed the fat.
“I already am on a diet but when I heard about that, I wish I lived in Dubai, so that way I can also get my hands on some free gold. Basically, people are getting paid to lose weight. How cool is that? I think that if the UK done the same thing here, I tell you what, everyone would be trying to lose weight to get their hands on gold,” Said Sikander Khan (Yell Jewellery, Alum Rock)
“It’s a good thing. If you gave me gold I would definitely start dieting right now. It’s free gold. Why not? It looks like Dubai leaders don’t want obese and overweight people in their city, that’s why they’re offering gold, or so I think. It’s a good move. It’s a great motivation for people who’ve been wanting to lose weight.” – Sam Moore (Gold Buyers UK) told the Asian World.
“Give me gold and see if I won’t lose 2 stones in a week.” – Abass Mohammad you was certainly tempted by Dubai’s gold offerings.
Only time will tell if this gold-rush will equate to weight loss in Dubai but the temptation for many is definitely there.
By Emb Hashmi
