A new study from the UK has highlighted how men wanting to lose weight are more likely to keep to the program with cash incentives at the end.
While we have long known that physical activity and weight loss bring immeasurable health benefits to the person, losing weight can be easier said than done for a large portion of Americans. Even without contradicting opinions and a plethora of new research each day, a commitment to fitness is not something that is created overnight.
Men are more likely to lose weight when offered a prize
The new landmark research was completed by the University of Stirling, with their findings published in the JAMA Network journal earlier this week. The study, aptly named Game of Stones, was designed with 585 male participants from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Overall, there was an average body mass index (BMI) of 37.7.
The pool of participants was sorted into three groups, with the first given both cash incentives and motivational text messages to help them along their fitness journey. The second group was given just motivational messages, while the third was given nothing at all.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that those who had received both the message and cash had, on average, dropped 4.8% of their body weight. Interestingly, those who only received the message dropped 2.7%, and those who got neither lost just 1.3%.
The study inspired hope
Considering fitness is often a divisive topic, the researchers were pleased to identify methods for encouraging men to lose weight. Professor Pat Hoddinott from Stirling University said the study could provide a low-cost solution to the UK’s obesity crisis.
She said: “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.
“This was a very carefully planned study, created for men by men. We worked closely with various men’s health groups and charities, including Men’s Health Forum in the UK and Ireland, with more than 1,000 men living with obesity informing the design of the incentive structure.”
“The research showed that offering cash incentives was a popular and effective way of helping men to lose weight. 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,” she added.
