Using financial incentives to encourage weight loss and dietary tracking
Official title: (2/2) Log2Lose: Incenting Weight Loss and Dietary Self-Monitoring in Real Time to Improve Weight Management
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10908325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how money rewards can help people lose weight and keep track of what they eat, and it's for anyone who wants to shed some pounds and stay motivated while doing it!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,015 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL150227-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are overweight or obese and are motivated to lose weight through behavioral changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in making dietary changes or who have medical conditions that prevent weight loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how financial incentives can motivate individuals to lose weight and monitor their dietary habits in real-time. By comparing different incentive strategies, the study aims to determine which approach leads to the most significant and lasting weight loss outcomes. Participants will engage in a program that encourages them to achieve a caloric deficit through behavioral strategies, with the added motivation of financial rewards. The study will be conducted at two sites and will track participants over time to assess the effectiveness of these incentives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective strategies for individuals struggling with obesity to achieve and maintain weight loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using financial incentives for short-term weight loss, but long-term effectiveness remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Ryan Jeffrey — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Ryan Jeffrey
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.