Giving people financial incentives to reach their weight loss goals doubles their weight, according to a new study.
Researchers followed the weight loss of 668 morbidly obese adults in New York City and Los Angeles for six months. The goal was for the participant to lose her 10 pounds.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that two-thirds of participants achieved their goals when offered money as a reward, while those who did not lost half their weight.
Pre-study participants had an average weight of 218 pounds and a BMI or body mass index of 38, falling within the morbidly obese range. Respondents ranged from age 18 to her age 70 and were from low-income households with an average annual income of less than her $40,000. The majority — 80% — were women. The survey ran from November 2017 to May 2021.
Researchers divided participants into three groups, assigned them to lose 5% of their body weight, and randomly assigned incentives. These include goal-oriented incentives, outcome-based incentives, and resource-only groups. All participants were enrolled in a program to assist with weight loss.
Each group was given different tools and rewards to help them lose weight, but only two of the three groups were offered financial incentives.
Participants in the resource-only group used only the weight loss program. Her two other groups were given various financial incentives. Outcome-based incentive groups were given self-monitoring tools (digital scales, food diaries, physical activity monitors), health education, and monthly check-ins. A goal-oriented group was given a weight loss tool. Both can earn up to $750 by completing mini goals.
Participants received $150 for enrolling and participating in at least half of the weekly weight management program sessions for a month, and $60 each month for continuing to participate in at least half of the weekly program sessions. rice field.
Participants received up to $30 per month for using the food journal at least 5 days a week and recording their weight at least 3 days a week for the first 6 months.
They also received up to $20 per month for wearing fitness trackers and completing 75 minutes of physical activity per week. This increased to 150 minutes for him from the 4th to the 6th month.
The goal-oriented group earned an average of $440.44 and had a median weight loss of 9.8 pounds. The results-based group earned an average of $303.56 and lost an average of 10.6 pounds.
The no financial incentive group lost 4.9 pounds during the study period.
Approximately 61 participants dropped out of the study within the first 6 months in the goal-based group, 51 in the incentive group, and 54 in the no cash incentive group.
Melanie Jay, MD of NYU Langone Health, a senior research fellow on the study, says more research is needed, but provides evidence that incentives can lead to short-term improvements.
“Our study provides solid evidence that providing incentives, especially cash rewards, can help people of limited means who suffer from obesity lose weight, even if only for six months. “But any kind of incentive to lose weight can work, even if it’s just to give you tools to help you lose weight.”
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