Shedding pounds for cash

Editor's note: This is a transcript of the audio file.

It sits at the top of everyone's New Year resolution list ... and some states are now paying you to do it. I'm Kristin Arnold with your Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.

If you happen to live in Colorado, shedding the pounds can line your pockets. Kaiser Permanente Colorado's new "Weigh and Win" program offers cash to all adult Coloradans who lose the LBs and keep them off.

Kaiser spent $500,000 to install 12 kiosks with scales and video cameras at libraries, medical facilities, recreation centers and even a furniture store (they're talking to you, La-Z-Boy!) to record the progress of participants. Those who lose weight and keep it off can earn between $15 and $150 every three months.

About 8,900 Coloradans have participated in the program, which debuted last April. Their average weight loss? About 12 pounds.

Unlike similar employer-sponsored shape-up programs, Kaiser's Weigh and Win is one of the first programs of its kind open to all adult state residents willing to slim down. The insurer hopes to encourage other health care groups and municipalities to join the program.

How about you? Would you shed pounds for the money? If you'd like to learn more about this and other insurance programs, just visit Bankrate.com. I'm Kristin Arnold.