title: The 'Pounds for Pounds' weight loss financial incentive scheme: an evaluation of a pilot in NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Financial incentive programmes have the potential to modify health-related behaviours, including those associated with achieving weight loss. This study evaluated a pilot NHS commissioned financial incentive weight loss programme, based on the commercial Weight Wins 'Pounds for Pounds' programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants chose a weight loss plan based on their target weight. Plans ranged from 15 lb (6.8 kg) weight loss over 3 months to 50 lb (22.7 kg) weight loss over 7 months, with optional additional 'maintenance' periods. Rewards, which were received after successful plan completion, ranged from £70 to £425 per year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean baseline weight for the 402 participants was 101.8 kg (SD 46.1 kg), with 77.4% having a BMI ≥30 kg/m(2). Clinically significant weight loss (≥5%) occurred in 44.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 40.0-49.7%] of participants. Estimated mean weight loss at 12 months was 4.0 kg (95% CI: 2.4-5.6 kg) under the assumption of return-to-baseline weight for those who had left the programme before reporting a 12 month weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The estimated mean 12 month weight loss of 4.0 kg at 12 months is comparable to other evaluations of other non-medical weight loss interventions. A randomized controlled trial is required to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this financial incentive scheme.
authors: ScHARR,  University of Sheffield, Regents Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA,  UK.
authors: Clare
authors: C
authors: Relton
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Strong
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009313:National Health Programs; D009765:Obesity / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012052:Reimbursement, Incentive / Q000191:economics*; D015431:Weight Loss