Our primary conclusion is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that incentives of any form represent a compelling NCD reduction strategy .
The rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) poses substantial health and economic challenges to both individuals and society .
Application of incentive-based strategies based on traditional and behavioural economic theory has emerged as a potential strategy to address rising rates of NCDs .
Yet , whether or not incentives truly represent a promising strategy for addressing NCDs has not been systematic ally addressed nor is it clear whether certain behavioural economic strategies outperform others or simply offering a cash-based incentive for meeting a goal .
In this systematic review we aim to determine whether there is an evidence base for any of these strategies .
A Pilot Study Testing the Effect of Different Levels of Financial Incentives on Weight Loss Among Overweight Employees
Objective : To test the ability of two levels of modest financial incentives to encourage weight loss among overweight employees . Methods : This study used a r and omized design with measurements at baseline , 3 , and 6 months and two levels of financial incentives ( $ 7 and $ 14 per percentage point of weight lost ) . Payments were structured so that all participants had equal ability to obtain the incentives during the study period . Results : At 3 months , participants with no financial incentive lost 2 pounds , those in the $ 7 group lost approximately 3 pounds , and those in the $ 14 group lost 4.7 pounds . Between baseline and 6 months , when the financial gains were equalized , weight losses were similar across groups . Conclusion : This study revealed that modest financial incentives can be effective in motivating overweight employees to lose weight
Our primary conclusion is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that incentives of any form represent a compelling NCD reduction strategy .
The rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) poses substantial health and economic challenges to both individuals and society .
Application of incentive-based strategies based on traditional and behavioural economic theory has emerged as a potential strategy to address rising rates of NCDs .
Yet , whether or not incentives truly represent a promising strategy for addressing NCDs has not been systematic ally addressed nor is it clear whether certain behavioural economic strategies outperform others or simply offering a cash-based incentive for meeting a goal .
In this systematic review we aim to determine whether there is an evidence base for any of these strategies .