Smokers and the obese could be paid to give up their vices as part of NHS incentives designed to promote a heathier lifestyle.
An NHS advisory group suggested offering incentives to people to quit smoking or eat healthier food can lead to positive changes.
A pilot scheme saw pregnant women being awarded supermarket vouchers to give up cigarettes and the obese paid to lose an agreed amount of weight.
Children were also offered toys as a reward for eating more fruit and vegetables.
The independent Citizens Council, run by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) and made up of members of the public, has backed the scheme.
The wider public are now being asked to give their views before Nice considers whether to implement the policy.
Sir Michael Rawlins, chairman of Nice, conceded paying people to quit smoking was a "divisive issue".
But he said it was important to consider alternative policies.
"The Citizens Council makes an important contribution to the work of Nice by providing a snapshot of what the general public thinks about controversial health challenges," Sir Michael said.
"I am extremely grateful that the council has considered whether there is a place for incentive schemes to encourage people to change their bad habits and live healthier lives.
"The majority of the council has voted in favour of the use of incentives under certain circumstances, but this clearly remains a divisive issue. We are now very keen to hear what the general public thinks about their conclusions."
Personally I think it's a great idea. I'm going to start putting on weight right now so that the NHS can pay me later to take it off again
