In the study, researchers conducted four different incentive scenarios. Researchers gave all participants a weight loss goal of 5 percent of their body weight. The scenarios are as follows:
• Obese participants were offered a $550 premium discount if they achieved their weight loss goal. The offer would go into effect at the beginning of the following year.
• In the second scenario, the $550 discount would be applied in the first pay period after achieving their weight loss goal.
• Participants in the third scenario would be entered into a daily lottery drawing if they met daily weight loss goals.
• The fourth group was not given an incentive.
After one year, researchers found no significant change in average weight loss for participants in any of the four groups. Researchers were not surprised with the results as there is little evidence available proving lowering premiums will incent employees to lose weight.
The researchers claimed cash rewards may lead to more weight loss. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic researchers incentivized participants to lose weight by receiving $20 each month when they met their monthly goals. When participants did not meet their goals, they had to pay $20 a month. In the study, participants lost nearly nine pounds on average, compared to nearly two pounds for the subjects who did not receive money.
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