Work

Obesity And Cash Rewards

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: In a multi-phase randomized controlled trial, we examine the impacts of cash rewards of EUR 150 and EUR 300 for reducing body weight on the likelihood of weight loss and weight-related behavioral change among 700 obese individuals. We find effects during all experimental phases, including 18 months after exposure to the incentives. Additional monetary rewards of EUR 250 and EUR 500 provided to participants who had lost a substantial amount of body weight exerted only short-term effects.

Source: Economics & Human Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2025.101492

Authors: Boris Augurzky, Thomas K. Bauer, Arndt R. Reichert, Christoph M. Schmidt, Harald Tauchmann