Dubai diet plan: Lose weight, get paid in gold

In this Tuesday Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, 10 gram gold bars with a purity of 999.9 have been pressed and stamped with the 'Emirates Gold' company logo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP / Kamran Jebreili, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Shedding weight is as good as gold under an unusual slim-down initiative in Dubai over growing concerns about rising obesity levels in the wealthy Gulf city-state.

Municipal officials are offering a gram of gold -- worth about $45 at current prices -- for each kilogram of weight lost in a 30-day challenge. The minimum drop is two kilograms, or 4.4 pounds, to cash in.

Local media Wednesday quotes Dubai official Hussain Lootah as saying there is no limit on the payout for the golden losers, who must sign up and weigh in Friday.

The plan is the latest attempt to encourage healthier lifestyles in the United Arab Emirates. Across the Gulf Arab states, authorities have raised alarms about rising obesity from increasing fast-food diets and lack of exercise.