The purpose of this study is to simulate what would occur if insurance reimbursement became available for obesity treatment but required that the individual meet defined performance milestones.
This is a prospective study to determine whether a reimbursement incentive (the prospect of reimbursement of half of the out-of-pocket fee for participation in the UAB EatRight Weight Management Program, when it is contingent upon consistent Program participation and loss of 6% of initial body weight) is associated with (1) a higher rate of Program enrollment and (2) greater percent weight loss, greater reductions in medication dosages and costs, and fewer visits to health care providers after 12 weeks and 9 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
401
Participants were told they would have the possibility of being reimbursed 50% ($150) of their initial fee ($300) if they: 1) paid the fee in advance or committed 3 monthly payments in advance, 2) attended 10 of 12 class sessions, and 3) lost at least 6% of their current body weight during the program.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Proportion of inquirers who enroll in obesity treatment
Time frame: 16 months
Class attendance
Time frame: 12 weeks
Percent weight loss
Time frame: 12 weeks and 9 months
Changes in medication dosages and costs
Time frame: 12 weeks and 9 months
Visits to health care providers
Time frame: 12 weeks and 9 months
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