The effect of monetary incentives on promoting weight loss in individuals with obesity

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of a cash reward program on promoting weight loss and whether this effect will last after 1 year of follow-up. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a 4-month program that provides cash reward for losing weight. The study individuals were weight loss program participants, aged 18–65 years, reached after 1 year (n = 162). Participants were categorized according to their main reason for joining the program as follows: those for whom incentive was the primary reason to enroll (incentive-motivated) and those who participated mainly to lose weight regardless of the incentive (self-motivated). Results: There was a significant weight loss in all participants at the end of the 4-month program compared with that at baseline (89.49 ± 18.86 vs. 96.09 ± 20.38 kg,P