Dubai makes dieting worth its weight in gold

UAE: Shedding weight is as good as gold under an unusual slim-down initiative in Dubai amid growing concerns about rising obesity levels in the wealthy Gulf city state.

Municipal officials are offering a gramme of gold — worth about $45 (€34) at current prices — for each kilogramme of weight lost in a 30-day challenge. The minimum drop is 2kg to cash in.

Dubai official Hussain Lootah said there is no limit on the payout for the golden losers, who must sign up and weigh in tomorrow.