Lose 2 Win A Novel Method to Motivate Weight Loss Maintenance Among College Students

"Lose 2 Win" Contests: A Novel Method to Motivate Weight Loss Maintenance Among College Students

Investigators are conducting a randomized controlled trial with overweight and obese college students on the University of Minnesota campus. The primary outcome will be weight loss measured 12 months after study enrollment (corresponds to 10 months after the end of treatment).

Approximately 30% of college students are overweight or obese. Intervening on excess weight early may eliminate obesity-related morbidity. Evidence supports use of monetary incentives to encourage weight-loss; questions remain about the efficacy of contingency management on weight loss maintenance.

"Lose 2 Win" contests in which participants who achieve weight-loss goals are eligible for cash prizes, appear well-suited for implementation on campuses. Our objective in this two-phase trial is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of Lose 2 Win for weight-loss maintenance among college students.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-24 years of age
• University of Minnesota Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior
• Plan on enrolling at the U of Minnesota through Spring 2013
• BMI greater than or equal to 26 and less than or equal to 35.5
• Have working internet and phone access
• Ability to read/write English
• Ability to safely engage in exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Prior or planned weight loss surgery
• Having a special diet or being a member of an "organized weight loss program"
• Diagnosis of Diabetes
• Have had Binge Eating Disorder
• Have lost greater than or equal to 10 pounds in the last 3 months