Cash for calories: study tests if money motivates weight loss
NCT ID NCT04770909
First seen May 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tested whether giving small weekly cash rewards for tracking what you eat and losing weight helps adults with obesity shed pounds. Over 700 participants were followed for 18 months. The goal was to see if these incentives lead to at least 5% weight loss at 26 weeks and beyond.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
financial incentives for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could offer a simple, low-cost way to help people with obesity lose weight and keep it off using small rewards.
What could go wrong
The study is already completed, so results are known. Weight loss may not be sustained long-term, and the incentives may not work for everyone.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.