Dec 9, 2008 6:00 pm US/Eastern
Health: Dieting For Dollars
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
On the health alert -- dieting for dollars. Medical reporter Stephanie Stahl describes groundbreaking new research from here in Philadelphia that is the first to test financial incentives for weight loss.
You might think looking and feeling better would be good incentives for losing weight. But considering the obesity epidemic, experts say that often isn't enough. Turns out money is, according to new research.
Susan Rohloff has more energy to take care of her grandson and an extra $100 for her Christmas presents.
"Money is a great motivation. Who couldn't use a little extra money in their pocket," said Rohloff.
Susan was paid to lose weight as part of a study conducted by the Philadelphia Veterans Administration and the University of Pennsylvania. She lost 18 pounds in four months.
As part of the study, she contributes between 50 cents and a dollar daily.
Each day that she reaches her weight loss goal, the money is doubled.
"I think it's clear money matters," said Dr. Kevin Volpp with the University of Pennsylvania.
He says successful dieting often depends on overcoming the instant gratification of eating bad foods. The research shows small, frequent money rewards can trump that.
"One of the things we think is really important for weight loss is to give people frequent positive feedback, said Volpp.
So now instead of grabbing pizza, Susan thinks about the extra cash she'll have and how much better she's feeling. Finally finding the dieting motivation that really matters.
Dr. Volpp is hoping that someday insurance companies will realize the benefits of keeping people healthy, instead of paying after they get sick.
The research is being paid for in part by grants and the National Institutes of Health.
RELATED LINK:
http://www.med.upenn.edu/ldichi/
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