Cash for cravings: study tests if money motivates weight loss

NCT ID NCT04770909

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether giving small weekly cash incentives (up to $300 total) 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 rewards lead to at least 5% weight loss at 26 weeks and beyond.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cash incentives for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to help people with obesity lose weight and keep it off.
What could go wrong: This is a completed behavioral study, not a drug trial. Results may not apply to everyone, and weight loss may not be sustained long-term.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States

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