About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Shopping Vouchers and Cyber-Friends Could help Quit Smoking and Lose Weight

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on January 28, 2015 at 4:15 PM
Font : A-A+

 Shopping Vouchers and Cyber-Friends Could help Quit Smoking and Lose Weight

Latest research has shown that shopping vouchers and online social networks may be powerful, modern tools to help people quit smoking and lose weight. It was seen that pregnant women who were promised vouchers were much likelier than non-rewarded peers to kick the smoking habit; and people shed more kilos the more online friendships they formed with fellow weight-watchers.

The Scottish study offered 612 pregnant smokers in Glasgow, free nicotine replacement therapy and professional quitting aid. Half the volunteers were also promised 400 pounds (534 euros or $607) in the form of shopping vouchers. Participants were offered a first voucher of 50 pounds for showing up for a meeting with a professional and setting a quit date, another 50 pounds for not smoking for four weeks, another 100 pounds for 12 weeks and 200 pounds at 34-38 weeks. Saliva or urine tests were used to confirm their abstinence from cigarettes. Significantly more of the voucher recipients stopped smoking, 69 out of the first group of 306, compared to 26 from the non-rewarded half. This study paper is published in The BMJ.

Advertisement

In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers studied more than 2,000 people who joined an online weight management (OWM) social networking site. After six months, it was seen that people with a single contact reported having lost on average 4.1 percent of initial body weight, rising to 5.2 percent for those with two to nine friends. The figure rose further to 6.8 percent for those with a bigger group of contacts, and a whopping 8.3 percent for those with the highest connectivity.

Both the studies found innovative and cost-effective ways of tackling lifestyle behaviors that are inflicting an ever-heavier toll in lives lost and healthcare costs around the world.

Source: Medindia
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News

Shielding Your Skin: Embracing the Power of Sunscreen for Sunlit Days
Significance of sunscreen as an essential element of skincare has experienced a significant upswing in popularity due to the deleterious effects of UV rays.
The Silent Contributor of Workplace Burnout: Influence of Personal Relationships
Impact of workplace burnout on employee performance, wellbeing, and organizational productivity is extensive, yet the role of personal relationships has been overlooked.
 Natural Herbs That Will Give You Youthful, Glowing Skin
Ayurveda offers a time-tested treatment for aging skin using natural herbs and antiquated traditions that value sustainability and might do wonders for skin health.
 Brain Protein Behind High-Salt-Induced Hypertension and Cognitive Impairment
Researchers identified two key physiological systems involved in hypertension, cognitive, and emotional impairments following high salt intake.
Defying Time: Unlocking the Secrets to Wrinkle-Free Skin
Decoding the secrets of wrinkles by knowing the causes, prevention, and expert advice.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Shopping Vouchers and Cyber-Friends Could help Quit Smoking and Lose Weight Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests