Effect of Financial Incentives and Environmental Strategies on Weight Loss in the Healthy Weigh Study

Abstract

Key Points Question What is the relative effectiveness of financial incentives and environmental change strategies, alone and in combination, on initial weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in employees with obesity? Findings In this randomized clinical trial, at the 18-month primary end point, participants in the incentives group lost a mean of 5.4 lb (2.45 kg), those in the environmental strategies group lost a mean of 2.2 lb (1.00 kg), and the combination group lost a mean of 2.4 lb (1.09 kg) more than the usual care group. None of the strategies was significantly more effective than usual care. Meaning Across all study groups, participants lost a modest amount of weight but those who received interventions did not lose significantly more weight, suggesting that more intensive individualized weight loss strategies may be needed.