Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
09:17
Using a Virtual Store As a Research Tool to Investigate Consumer In-store Behavior
Published on: July 24, 2017
Does Digital Make a Difference? Willingness-to-Pay for Digital Versus Offline Weight Loss in Germany
Kevin Helms1,2, Stefan K Lhachimi3, Wolf Rogowski1,2
1Department of Health Care Management Institute for Public Health and Nursing Sciences Health Sciences University of Bremen Bremen Germany.
Obesity Science & Practice
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Individuals with obesity show willingness to pay for digital health applications (DiGA) and disease management programs (DMP), but at lower rates than manufacturer prices. Perceived effectiveness, not format, most influences their payment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Obesity Management
- Digital Health
Background:
- Germany offers digital health applications (DiGA) and offline disease management programs (DMP) for obesity.
- Evidence on willingness to pay (WTP) for these interventions among individuals with obesity is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the WTP for DiGA and DMP among individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).
- To compare preferences for digital versus offline obesity interventions.
Main Methods:
- An online survey with 424 participants with obesity in Germany.
- Contingent valuation method to determine monthly WTP under a hypothetical non-coverage scenario.
- Two-part regression model to analyze WTP based on demographics and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Mean WTP was €16.15/month for DiGA and €18.70/month for DMP.
- DiGA WTP positively associated with older age and digital affinity.
- DMP WTP positively associated with female sex and digital infrastructure.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with obesity have a positive WTP for weight loss interventions, but below current market prices.
- Perceived intervention effectiveness is a stronger driver of WTP than the digital or offline format.
