I was chatting with a friend who works as the University of Iowa. She said that her health plan included a provision that will pay for her health club membership if her BMI is over 30. All she needed was a doctor to sign off and they would pay. I don't know the details, but what a way to work on the obesity problem.

That's a great idea!
An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure ;) !

That's pretty cool... but it would kind of suck to start paying for gym membership once your BMI dropped enough!

Are there any provisions that the person must use the gym? I'd hate to have my insurance premiums going to pay for unused gym memberships. Its hard enough paying my own unused gym membership :p (I use it, but I don't know if its worth the money I pay)

I think one would get addicted to going to the gym. It doesn't really help if I would be getting my BMI below 30 and I don't get paid. I would feel all so depressed and motivation to go to the gym will be gone.....

However, it is really a good idea to get rid of the obesity and inactivity problem.

But, wait till the insurance company asks for your weight and height (somewhere else on the form, just about at the point you had forgotten that you and the doc lied about the BMI). Then they compute it themselves. Bingo, you and Doc are in for a case of insurance fraud. Besides, a 30 BMI is indeed obese. So, if you have just a little extra around the middle, you won't get very close to the number. Sorry to rain your parade.

Cheers,
Jamie