If you are looking for a way to hold yourself accountable and motivate your weight loss, DietBet is exactly what you have been looking for. DietBet is a website where individuals can create their own game, or join an existing game, where each participant must lose 4% of their body weight in 28 days. DietBet came to the conclusion that it must be 4% because it seems to be reasonable no matter your weight. So, if you weigh 140 pounds then you must lose 5.6 pounds in four weeks to reach your goal.
In order to join the game you must place your bet for the dollar amount the creator of the game has set. This can range anywhere from $20 to $50. Once the game begins, every person must try to reach their goal of losing 4% of their body weight to be deemed a winner. Winners will split the pot, but if everyone wins then each person gets their money back. The bet can be paid via a debit or credit card or through PayPal.
Usually after people have heard this much, their next question is: “How do they prevent cheating and how do they know I actually lost the weight?” Luckily for us, DietBet has a very thorough process of how they catch discrepancies in submissions. Before you are officially in a game, you must submit your weigh-in photo. DietBet gives you a secret word to write on an index card to set next to your scale (to make sure you are a real person). You must then take a full body picture of you on the scale and a close-up of your feet on the scale with your weight displayed. DietBet then has a photo review process where players submit proof of their initial and final weigh-in. They also have algorithms that detect any unusual activity in a game and use an auditing system where some players may be required to submit more proof of their weight loss. This may be done via Skype, a video weigh-in or in person at a pre-approved location (Walgreens, CVS, etc.).
Once you submit your final weigh-in, DietBet notifies the winners of their earnings and the money is deposited is into your PayPal account. From there you can then transfer it to a checking or savings account.
DietBetters have posted their own testimonials to prove that this process works as a motivation to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Her Campus did a DietBet game called, “Lose the Freshman 15,” where players bet $20 and winners won $36.13. There was a combined weight loss of 945 pounds and the average weight lost was 6 pounds.
A new game has just started with Jillian Michaels as the host where there is currently a pot of $116,730 and rising every minute. This would be a great first game to try as Jillian herself will be providing workout tips, nutrition advice and motivation throughout the four weeks. This bet ends on Oct. 21 and the bet is $30. If this seems too intimidating for you, start your own game with close friends and family. You set the stakes and control the game. Plus, you will enjoy healthy competition with people you trust.
Good luck and happy weight-loss, future DietBetters!