Trading Cash for Calories

Cash is the ultimate incentive. And now there's science to back it up. Moderate financial incentives can promote employees to stay healthy on the job, according to the findings of a recent study by researchers at RTI International and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The study, titled "A Pilot Study Testing the Effect of Different Levels of Financial Incentives on Weight Loss Among Overweight Employees" and published in the September issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, examined the impact of monetary rewards on weight loss in the absence of a structured weight-loss program.

The details of the study are discussed in Josh Clifton's main story on wellness, but for the abstract and the opportunity to purchase the full text, click on the JOEM link above.

Can Benefits Truly Help Attract (and Retain) Top Talent? (06/01/11)
Fixing the Pharmacy Conundrum (05/01/13)
Facing the Future of Healthcare Benefits Now (06/01/11)
The Strength of Advocacy (05/01/13)
Another State, Wisconsin, Considers Adding High-Deductible Health Plans to the Menu (07/25/11)

You can also tap into other research on wellness and obesity from RTI International, an independent research organization. Its Center of Excellence in Health Promotion Economics, in conjunction with the University of North Carolina, provides links to research, health data and anything else you could need to make a case for fighting for wellness at your company.

December 1, 2007

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