New research may point the way to help the nation not only deal with rising healthcare costs associated with the obesity epidemic but also provide an overlooked stimulus program to spur economic growth.
The answer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), is in paying people to lose weight.
Dr. Kevin Volpp of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that people, given a financial incentive, lost weight more easily than more conventional approaches to taking off the pounds. The promise of an immediate cash reward, it seems, was a stronger motivator than all the other prospective benefits participants might achieve over times.
Researchers put participants in the study into two types of reward programs. The first was a lottery system where people would collect winnings if they met daily goals.
The second program was a deposit contract where participants used their own money. If they achieved goals their deposit would have a bonus added at the end of the month. If goals were not met, deposits were forfeited.
People in the first program lost 13 pounds on average while the second group shed 14 pounds. Individuals in the control group lost four pounds.
Dr. Volpp said the program was effective in achieving quick weight loss but further study was needed to determine if "they can be effective in sustaining weight loss as well."
Discussion Questions: Are incentive programs a long-term solution for businesses looking to reduce healthcare costs? What are the most effective means for companies to get their healthcare costs under control?