These days, it's not uncommon for businesses to encourage their employees to lose weight.

In fact, not only do they encourage it, they have programs centered around losing weight and weaved into the average work week.

But this company is taking weight loss even a bit further by offering cash bonuses when their employees lose weight. In fact, 12 different companies under the umbrella of The Business Group, offered this bonus for the biggest loser.

According to the article, link below, the teams walked away with a pretty hefty prize:

"Employees at 12 companies took part in the 10-week contest, said Lisa Gish, executive director of the group.

The first-place team of eight won $800. The second-place team won $400. Employers of some of the teams chipped in additional incentives, Gish said."

See the full article here http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/oct/18/cost-of-obesity-employers-pick-up-partof-the-tab/

What do YOU think? Is offering a cash incentive a good way to inspire others to lose weight?