BMI Challenge FAQ
Why should I take the BMI Challenge?
It’s effective, it’s fun and it can help produce lasting results. Academic studies demonstrate that financial incentives triple the effectiveness of weight loss programs. The BMI Challenge applies these academic studies to make you more successful at weight loss. The BMI Challenge creates a clear goal---move to a healthy BMI---that has a significant positive impact on your health. And the BMI Challenge creates a clear, often realistic timeframe---one year---to achieve that goal. Sign up now
How does the BMI Challenge work?
You get paid to lose weight over the course of one year. Our free program pays you $100 to lose weight. If you want to win more money (up to $1,000), you put up some of your own money.
Can I participate in the 10% Challenge and the BMI Challenge at the same time? What about The Matchup?
Absolutely. You can participate in one, two or all three programs at the same time.
This seems too good to be true---where does the reward money come from?
HealthyWage is financially supported by insurers, health systems and hospitals, food companies, and the government. Government and corporate leaders know that incentives work and are a cost effective solution (paying incentives costs less than paying for health care for an obese population).
Am I eligible for the BMI Challenge?
Yes---anyone can participate! You must be an adult with a BMI of at least 30 in order to participate. You do not need to work for a participating company or government agency.
I want to focus on weight rather than BMI; is there a challenge for that?
Yes! Check out the 10% Challenge.
Do I need to have my weight verified?
Yes---twice: once at the beginning (your Start Date is the day you get your weight verified), and once at the end (within two weeks before (or on) your victory date, which is exactly one year after you get your verified weigh-in).
Where do I get my weight verified?
You have two options: (1) it's easy to get verified at home by making a private weight verification video following these instructions or (2) you can get your weight verified at your health club, doctor or Weight Watchers meeting. If you do not belong to Weight Watchers or a health club, many health clubs are willing to help out---be sure to call ahead.
Is there anything else I have to do to win the money?
Aside from losing the weight, there is one other requirement: you must weigh yourself once per week and report it on the website. This weekly weigh-in does NOT need to be verified by anyone. You can miss up to two weekly weigh-ins during the challenge and still remain eligible for the prize (three strikes; you're out).
Can I upgrade once I start?
Yes---you have two weeks from your Start Date to decide.
Why would I want to pay to get a higher reward?
People who "put skin in the game" tend to be much more successful. In our experience, the success rate is considerably higher for our participants who put some of their own money on the line. Our experience is consistent with academic studies that show that health incentives are most effective when there is both a reward and a penalty for failure.
How do I calculate my BMI?
You can either use an online calculator, or you can calculate it yourself using the following the formula:
BMI = [weight (in pounds) x 703]/[height (in inches)^2].
Where do I find my Registration Number?
It appears automatically on your Verify Me! Form, which is available to registered users on the dashboard page, underneath each of your program widgets.
Is the BMI Challenge legal?
Yes. Although we use the word “bet” to explain the concept, the BMI Challenge isn’t gambling---you are in control of the outcome at all times. It's up to you to lose the weight and earn the prize.
How do I get paid?
HealthyWage pays you via check or Paypal. It's up to you. Getting paid usually takes about one month after the end of the challenge.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
No. But you can sign up after you’ve had your baby, if your doctor says it's okay.
Can I participate if I am planning to have bariatric surgery?
No. If your weight loss occurs as the result of surgical intervention of any kind, including liposuction, you will not be eligible for any prize. Please note that HealthyWage does not take a position on whether surgery is a good idea for any particular patient---that’s between you and your doctor.
Can I participate if I am on weight loss pills?
Only with advanced doctor approval.
It’s effective, it’s fun and it can help produce lasting results. Academic studies demonstrate that financial incentives triple the effectiveness of weight loss programs. The BMI Challenge applies these academic studies to make you more successful at weight loss. The BMI Challenge creates a clear goal---move to a healthy BMI---that has a significant positive impact on your health. And the BMI Challenge creates a clear, often realistic timeframe---one year---to achieve that goal. Sign up now
How does the BMI Challenge work?
You get paid to lose weight over the course of one year. Our free program pays you $100 to lose weight. If you want to win more money (up to $1,000), you put up some of your own money.
|
Program Fee |
Reward Level |
|
$0 |
$100 |
|
$150 |
$400 |
|
$300 |
$1,000 |
Can I participate in the 10% Challenge and the BMI Challenge at the same time? What about The Matchup?
Absolutely. You can participate in one, two or all three programs at the same time.
This seems too good to be true---where does the reward money come from?
HealthyWage is financially supported by insurers, health systems and hospitals, food companies, and the government. Government and corporate leaders know that incentives work and are a cost effective solution (paying incentives costs less than paying for health care for an obese population).
Am I eligible for the BMI Challenge?
Yes---anyone can participate! You must be an adult with a BMI of at least 30 in order to participate. You do not need to work for a participating company or government agency.
I want to focus on weight rather than BMI; is there a challenge for that?
Yes! Check out the 10% Challenge.
Do I need to have my weight verified?
Yes---twice: once at the beginning (your Start Date is the day you get your weight verified), and once at the end (within two weeks before (or on) your victory date, which is exactly one year after you get your verified weigh-in).
Where do I get my weight verified?
You have two options: (1) it's easy to get verified at home by making a private weight verification video following these instructions or (2) you can get your weight verified at your health club, doctor or Weight Watchers meeting. If you do not belong to Weight Watchers or a health club, many health clubs are willing to help out---be sure to call ahead.
Is there anything else I have to do to win the money?
Aside from losing the weight, there is one other requirement: you must weigh yourself once per week and report it on the website. This weekly weigh-in does NOT need to be verified by anyone. You can miss up to two weekly weigh-ins during the challenge and still remain eligible for the prize (three strikes; you're out).
Can I upgrade once I start?
Yes---you have two weeks from your Start Date to decide.
Why would I want to pay to get a higher reward?
People who "put skin in the game" tend to be much more successful. In our experience, the success rate is considerably higher for our participants who put some of their own money on the line. Our experience is consistent with academic studies that show that health incentives are most effective when there is both a reward and a penalty for failure.
How do I calculate my BMI?
You can either use an online calculator, or you can calculate it yourself using the following the formula:
BMI = [weight (in pounds) x 703]/[height (in inches)^2].
Where do I find my Registration Number?
It appears automatically on your Verify Me! Form, which is available to registered users on the dashboard page, underneath each of your program widgets.
Is the BMI Challenge legal?
Yes. Although we use the word “bet” to explain the concept, the BMI Challenge isn’t gambling---you are in control of the outcome at all times. It's up to you to lose the weight and earn the prize.
How do I get paid?
HealthyWage pays you via check or Paypal. It's up to you. Getting paid usually takes about one month after the end of the challenge.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
No. But you can sign up after you’ve had your baby, if your doctor says it's okay.
Can I participate if I am planning to have bariatric surgery?
No. If your weight loss occurs as the result of surgical intervention of any kind, including liposuction, you will not be eligible for any prize. Please note that HealthyWage does not take a position on whether surgery is a good idea for any particular patient---that’s between you and your doctor.
Can I participate if I am on weight loss pills?
Only with advanced doctor approval.
