Weight control among coworkers. Effects of monetary contingencies and social milieu.

Researchers ran a workplace weight-loss program. Coworkers set weekly goals, stepped on a scale, and saw their progress posted on a public chart.

Half the group could earn small cash refunds for meeting goals. The other half got the same program but no money.

The team tracked how many weeks each person hit their target and who kept weight off later.

Money tripled success. Ninety-seven percent of weekly goals were met when refunds were offered. Only forty-two percent were met without money.

After the refunds stopped, many people regained weight. The cash worked wonders while it lasted, then faded.

Winters et al. (2026) saw the same crash in HIV care. Monthly cash kept adults coming to clinic, but visits dropped the day payments ended. Both studies warn: behavior fades when money stops.

Potter et al. (2013) found the opposite stickiness. Homeless adults stayed in job training longer when paid, even after incentives ended. The difference may be that job skills build new reinforcers, while weight loss lacks built-in rewards.

Siegel et al. (1970) started the trend early. Donated goods lifted welfare meeting attendance five-fold, showing low-cost tokens can move adults decades before workplace refunds were tried.

You can use tiny cash refunds to spark quick gains at work or day programs. Pair weigh-ins, attendance charts, or step goals with small payments for fast buy-in. Plan a fade-out or add social praise and internal rewards before stopping cash. This keeps the behavior alive after the money stops.