The problem is that once you allow the employer to penalize people you pretty much take away any incentive for them to encourage the employee to change. My own opinion is that improving your health is a personal issue, however, tax breaks for gym memberships and/or personal training sessions would be a great way for governments to truly step up, wouldn't it? Having said that, the actual Alabama changes is being mis-represented by the media (big shock). It's actually a wellness premium discount for those keeping well, and improving their health. Of course that doesn't make for good headlines.
http://www.alseib.org/HealthInsuranc...counts2008.pdf
(that's a link to the actual document that the news report has actually turned around for better headlines)