Adding Financial Incentives to Online Group-Based Behavioral Weight Control: An RCT

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Obesity Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Internet-delivered behavioral weight control programs offer scalability but often yield lower weight losses than in-person interventions.
• Financial incentives have demonstrated efficacy in improving weight loss outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of financial incentives on weight loss and engagement in a fully online, group-based behavioral weight management program.
• To compare an online program with incentives to the same program without incentives.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 418 adults with overweight and obesity.
• Intervention groups: 1) Internet-only behavioral weight control program, 2) Internet program with financial incentives for self-monitoring and weight loss targets.

Main Results:

• The Internet + incentives group achieved significantly greater weight loss (-6.4 kg) compared to the Internet-only group (-4.7 kg).
• A higher proportion in the incentive group reached ≥5% weight loss (55% vs. 40%).
• Increased treatment engagement, self-monitoring, physical activity, and study retention were observed in the incentive group.

Conclusions:

• Financial incentives enhance weight loss in fully online behavioral programs.
• Online programs with incentives can achieve weight losses comparable to traditional in-person methods.
• This approach holds potential for broad geographic reach in weight management.