Project Step II: The Effects of Incentives and Feedback on Promoting Walking Within Overweight and Obese Adults

Approximately 68% of adults are overweight or obese, which is associated with increased risk
for health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. These
individuals are more often sedentary than the general population, which compounds the risk
for these same conditions. While the benefits of engaging in physical activity are
well-established, few individuals are able to successfully increase activity to recommended
levels. Existing intervention programs, often derived from theories such as social cognitive
theory or related theories, have had limited success. Behavioral economics offers a promising
alternative, suggesting that engagement in any behavior is based on the maximizing utility
and happiness (i.e., weighing the cost and benefit of the behavior). Interventions based on
this theory aim to increase the immediate benefit of engaging in physical activity, often
using a financial incentive.

This study will last for 8 weeks. All participants will have the use of a FitBit for ongoing
self-monitoring and a personalized step-count goal designed to help increase daily steps.
Participants will receive feedback on reaching their goals either daily or weekly.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI ≤ 45 kg/m2

- Age 18-70

- Currently inactive (engages in less than 6,000 steps/day on at least 4 of 7 days per
week OR engaged in less than 10,000 steps /day on at least 5/7 days per week,
confirmed by FitBit at baseline)

- Able to engage in moderate amount of walking

- Able to receive email/text messages from study staff

Exclusion Criteria:

- Psychiatric conditions that would make it difficult to comply

- Medical conditions that would make it difficult to comply