Cost-effectiveness of a workplace-based incentivized weight loss program.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness ratios of a nursing home-based incentivized Behavioral Weight Management Program (BWMP) from the employer's perspective. METHODS Seventy-two overweight and obese health care workers completed the BWMP (n = 35 incentivized; n = 37 nonincentivized). Weight change outcomes were compared for the pre- (0) and postintervention (28 weeks) follow-up periods within and between sites. Comprehensive estimates of BWMP direct program costs and avoided costs of absenteeism and productivity improvements were estimated to evaluate a business case. RESULTS There was a significant difference (P = 0.01) between the average per-participant weight change between incentivized sites (-7.4 lb) and nonincentivized sites (-2.2 lb). The cost-effectiveness ratios per pound of weight loss were $25.5 and $58.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In general, incentivized BWMPs were more cost effective. To generate a business case, enhancement in productivity becomes a critical factor and future research needs to investigate it further.