Public health approaches to obesity have more recently been supplemented
by incentive programs in the private sector. The experience in the U.S. and abroad will
be discussed, including the reasons obesity has been a recalcitrant and increasingly
common problem. The complex behavioral underpinnings and dynamics of over-eating
will be described along with motivational strategies to change these by use of various
incentive arrangements. Evaluating wellness programs and incentive schemes is
difficult. To determine the return on investment in such initiatives will require well
designed programs and evaluations which recognize potential biases and inherent
ethical concerns. Further research will be crucial to bend the curve on rising obesity
rates with their attendant costs.
Keywords: BMI, diet, exercise, fitness, global health, incentives, nutrition,
obesity, overeating, overweight, risk, smoking cessation, wellness program,
wellness, workplace.
