Money May Not Motivate Weight Loss

A recent post at The New York Times discussed a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research that revealed most people won’t accept money as a motivator to lose weight because… it is just too hard.  The study involved 2,407 overweight individuals that got divided into three groups.  Group A would receive $60 for maintaining a 5% weight loss for one year. Group B paid $100 which would be returned with bonuses for those who lost 5% of their body weight or more.  Group C was offered $20 for staying on the program for 1 year.

The results showed that group B lost the most with an average of 1.9 more pounds lost than the other groups.  Remember… Group B invested and risked $100 of their own money.  With so much more to lose than the other groups it’s very easy to see why group B lost the most.  The other groups weren’t too far behind but it goes to show that money can’t make everyone move in the desired direction.  I think the amount of money offered for the amount of time the study took to complete was very low.  If $1,000 or more was offered to those in groups A and C I’m sure the results would have been drastically different.  It also goes to show that those who invest in a diet program are more likely to stick to it.

So, what amount would it take for you to lose weight?  What if someone offered you $100 or $10,000.  What kind of price tag would it take for you to care enough to invest in your own health?  I have family members that are obese and it’s really hard to sit back and watch them destroy their body’s with the lifestyle choices they make.  So if money can’t motivate people what will?

photo credit: Photos8.com

Written by Ernesto Martinez

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