Social and Financial Incentives to Increase Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Veterans

In this 3-arm randomized trial, the investigators will compare the effectiveness of a social
incentive-based gamification intervention with and without loss-framed financial incentives
to increase physical activity relative to a control among overweight and obese adults
Veterans. All Veterans will use a Fitbit wearable device to establish a baseline step count,
select a step goal increase of 33% to 50% above baseline and then participate in a 12-week
intervention and 8-week follow-up period. The two intervention arms will be entered into a
game with points and levels designed using insights from behavioral economics. They will be
asked to select a social support partner who will receive weekly updates on their progress in
the game. Veterans in one arm will also receive loss-framed financial incentives allocated to
an account each week during the intervention and financial incentives taken away each day the
step goal was not achieved.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Veterans

- Body mass index of 25 or greater

- Access to smartphone or tablet to sync wearable device data

- Interest in participating in a 20-week physical activity program

Exclusion Criteria:

- Already participating in a physical activity research study

- Unable to provide informed consent

- Unsafe or infeasible to participate

- No access to smartphone or table to sync wearable device data