Fox Business host Charles Payne recently discussed a federal government program aimed at helping truck drivers lose weight.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has received approximately $2.6 million in government funding in order to run the program known as SHIFT, or “Safety and Health Involvement for Truckers”.
The NIH grant description states: “Our approach uses mobile computing technologies to provide training and feedback during a weight loss competition, and delivers motivational interviewing on cell phones.”
In his segment, Payne was clearly not a fan of the program and considered it a waste of tax dollars. However, in the program’s initial trials, the 29 volunteer truck drivers that participated lost an average of 7.8 pounds over six months.
Do you think a driver’s weight is an issue the feds should focus on or do you believe the government should stay out of drivers’ personal lives? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
You can also volunteer for the program on the SHIFT website.