Overweight people will receive cash or gift vouchers if they lose weight – as long as they have jobs.

Under radical NHS plans to tackle the obesity crisis employers will get funding to offer ­incentives for staff who slim down.

But top doctor Clive Peedell said: “This policy will do nothing to help the millions of unemployed and the growing numbers of self-employed people who may need help but won’t qualify.”

Outlining the plans, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens pointed out that such schemes had been a success in America.

He said: “Employers in many countries have voluntary schemes for employees where, for example, you actually get cash back based on ­participation in Weight Watchers or other type schemes.”

Asked what rewards could be on offer, he said: “It could be shopping vouchers, it could be cash, it could be prizes.”

Pounds for lbs: Government to PAY fat people if they lose weight – Mirror Online