There's no denying that exercise has benefits for every body system. Not only is it effective both as a treatment and for prevention of disease, it can also improve memory and concentration, lessen sleep disorders, aid heart disease by lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure, help sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, and raise low libido.

But if exercise really does it all, then why are we spending billions on prescription drugs instead of getting couch potatoes to get fit? One recent study which involved observed morbidly obese men suggests that this has to do with the refusal to change unhealthy behavior patterns.

The goal of the study was to achieve a 16-pound weight loss over 16 weeks. Participants were randomly divided subjects into three groups: a control group and two financially incentivized groups. Subjects from all three groups were educated on the role of exercise and nutrition for weight loss at the beginning of the study.

After 16 weeks, both the fixed payment and lottery system subjects had lost more than 16 pounds while the control group had not. The financial incentive was relatively small, averaging $350 in total payments over 16 weeks.

As promising as this all is, paying people to lose weight isn’t a long-term solution. Four months after the study’s completion, most subjects had returned to their prestudy weight.  However, the findings at least show that even the most challenging cases of obesity can be helped when given the right incentives.

And of course, just because you work out daily doesn't guarantee you won’t get sick. Other factors like genetics, chance, and socio-economic also play a significant role in your health. But we reckon it wouldn't hurt to increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life by sweating it out at the gym every once in awhile.

[Slate]