Study finds that men are four times more likely to lose weight when given financial incentives

The Game of Stones study conducted by Professor Pat Hoddinott from the University of Stirling in Scotland has revealed groundbreaking results in the field of weight loss. The study, published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network, focused on the impact of financial incentives and motivational text messages on weight loss among men with obesity. The findings have shown that individuals who were offered cash incentives and received motivational text messages were four times more likely to lose weight compared to those who did not receive any incentives.

The study included 585 men from Bristol, England, Belfast, Ireland, and Glasgow, Scotland, with an average body mass index of 37.7. The participants were divided into three groups: one group received cash incentives and motivational text messages, another group received only motivational text messages, and the third group received neither. The results were staggering – individuals who were offered money and received text messages lost an average of 4.8% of their body weight, while those who received only texts lost 2.7%, and those who received neither lost just 1.3%.

Professor Hoddinott emphasized the importance of these findings in improving the health outcomes of individuals with obesity. “Losing weight can make people feel better, reduce their risk of many health problems such as diabetes, and helps the health service with their aim to keep men well. However, we know men often don’t like to go to traditional weight loss groups,” Hoddinott stated in a JAMA press release.

The study also implemented a unique incentive structure where participants were informed that a certain amount of money was being held in an account for them, which they would receive at the end of the study if they met their weight loss goals. Of those in the incentive group, 27 individuals received the full amount, averaging $162. This innovative approach proved to be a popular and effective method of encouraging weight loss among the participants.

Hoddinott highlighted the potential of offering cash incentives as a low-cost solution for the health service to promote weight loss among individuals with obesity. “This initiative would be a low-cost solution for the health service to offer to men, requiring only four short weight appointments, and with money paid out only at the end to those who lose over 5% of their starting weight,” Hoddinott explained.

The Game of Stones study was meticulously designed with input from over 1000 men living with obesity, in collaboration with various men’s health groups and charities. The study aimed to create a tailored approach to weight loss that resonated with men and addressed their unique needs and preferences.

Overall, the findings of the Game of Stones study have significant implications for the field of weight loss and obesity management. By combining financial incentives with motivational text messages, researchers have unlocked a powerful tool for promoting weight loss and improving the health outcomes of individuals with obesity.