Weight Loss Incentives for Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether small weekly incentives can aid weight loss by encouraging dietary self-monitoring. It includes various approaches: some participants receive incentives for tracking their diet, others for losing weight, and some for both. The trial lasts 18 months and aims to determine which method is most effective for short- and long-term weight loss. It suits individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher who want to lose weight and can attend in-person visits. Participants must use specific apps and have a smartphone for the study. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative weight loss strategies that could enhance health outcomes.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
Yes, if you are currently using weight loss medication, you cannot participate in the trial. Additionally, if you use insulin, certain diabetes medications, or high doses of specific diuretics, you are not eligible to join.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that offering money as a reward for tracking diet is generally safe. Studies have found that these rewards can help people lose weight without major safety issues. For instance, one study found that financial rewards helped teenagers with severe obesity lose weight effectively. Another study showed that these rewards can be given to large groups easily, with no serious side effects reported.
Similarly, when rewards are used for both tracking diet and losing weight, research supports their safety. Studies using this combination have shown positive results in helping people lose weight. These rewards are attractive and have been used safely with many people.
Rewards focused only on weight loss also seem safe. Research indicates that financial rewards can lead to significant weight loss, and participants have not reported major health problems related to the rewards.
Overall, using financial rewards for weight loss and diet tracking is well-tolerated and has not been linked to serious health issues.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the power of incentives in tackling obesity. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on diet plans, medication, or surgery, this approach uses weekly incentives to motivate dietary self-monitoring and weight loss. There's a unique twist with different arms: one focuses solely on rewarding dietary tracking, another combines rewards for both tracking and weight loss, and a third targets weight loss achievements directly. This method taps into human behavior, leveraging positive reinforcement to drive healthier habits, which could be a game-changer in making weight management more sustainable and engaging.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?
This trial will evaluate different incentive strategies for weight loss. Studies have shown that financial rewards for tracking diet and losing weight can enhance weight loss. Participants in this trial may receive incentives for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss, which research indicates increases the likelihood of losing at least 5% of body weight over 26 weeks. Another group will focus only on tracking their diet; similar studies have found that this aids in weight management. A separate group will receive rewards solely for losing weight, which studies suggest is as effective as other methods and also cost-effective. Overall, financial rewards seem to encourage weight loss and maintenance.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Lisa Cadmus-Bertram, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Corrine Voils, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Utah Department of Internal Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with obesity who want to lose weight. They must be able to stand unassisted, have a BMI of 30 or higher, speak and read English, own a smartphone with data and texting plans, have reliable internet access, and commit to attending study visits over an 18-month period.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Incentivized Weight Loss Intervention (Phase I)
Participants receive weekly incentives for weight loss and/or dietary self-monitoring
Incentivized Weight Maintenance Intervention (Phase II)
Participants continue to receive incentives for maintaining weight loss
Non-incentivized Weight Maintenance Intervention (Phase III)
Participants maintain weight loss without incentives
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Incentives for dietary self-monitoring
- Incentives for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss
- Incentives for weight loss
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
Duke University
Collaborator
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator