Table 1 Description of types of financial incentives

Cash incentive

An agreed amount of cash, provided after a period of time or at a number of time points if weight loss is maintained

Non-cash incentive

An incentive with a monetary value but that is not cash, provided after a period of time or at a number of time points if weight loss is maintained (e.g. retail or gift voucher, gym membership, etc.)

Deposit contract

Make a monetary deposit which is refunded at certain time intervals or at the end of a period of time if you maintain your weight (i.e. a commitment to maintain your weight)

Matched deposit contract

Same as deposit contract, plus the deposit amount is matched if weight loss is maintained (i.e. “double your money”)

Lottery*

Go into a draw to win either a cash or non-cash ‘prize’ or incentive