Using financial incentives to help people lose weight and monitor their diets
Official title: (1/2) Log2Lose: Incenting weight loss and dietary self-monitoring in real-time to improve weight management
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10908334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of rewards can help people lose weight and stick to healthy eating habits, and it's for anyone who wants to manage their weight better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $789,159 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3HL150558-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908334 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 overweight or obese, or those who are not interested in making dietary changes, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how financial incentives can encourage individuals to lose weight and keep track of their dietary habits in real-time. By comparing different incentive strategies, such as rewarding initial weight loss or promoting ongoing dietary self-monitoring, the study aims to determine which approach leads to the most effective and lasting weight management. Participants will be involved in a randomized trial across two sites, where their progress will be monitored over time to assess the impact of these incentives on weight loss outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective strategies for individuals struggling with weight management, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using financial incentives to promote short-term weight loss, but long-term effects remain less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cadmusbertram, Lisa Anne — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Cadmusbertram, Lisa Anne
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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.