A Pilot Study Testing the Effect of Different Levels of Financial Incentives on Weight Loss Among Overweight Employees

Abstract

To test the ability of two levels of modest financial incentives to encourage weight loss among overweight employees. This study used a randomized design with measurements at baseline, 3, and 6 months and two levels of financial incentives ($7 and $14 per percentage point of weight lost). Payments were structured so that all participants had equal ability to obtain the incentives during the study period. At 3 months, participants with no financial incentive lost 2 pounds, those in the $7 group lost approximately 3 pounds, and those in the $14 group lost 4.7 pounds. Between baseline and 6 months, when the financial gains were equalized, weight losses were similar across groups. This study revealed that modest financial incentives can be effective in motivating overweight employees to lose weight.