This project includes a theoretical part explaining concepts and models and potential mechanisms of incentives on health behaviour. The empirical part is based on an overview of systematic reviews (SRs), which examined the evidence of incentive effects for smoking, alcohol, nutrition and physical activity.

In general, there was a focus on material/tangible incentives in the SRs. There is a considerable body of evidence for 'smoking and incentives' (primarily for cessation and abstinence) (17 SRs) with clear evidence of a medium-term effectiveness (especially for pregnant women and women post partum). Regarding 'alcohol and incentives' (4 SRs), we found an insufficient evidence base, which does not allow putting forward statements about the effectiveness of incentives. Minor, positive effects could be detected regarding an improved nutritional behaviour due to incentives (14 SRs). Conflicting results have been reported for 'incentives and physical activity' (7 SRs).

Overall, the project shows that effects decrease once incentives were suspended. Fundamentally, incentives should be considered as part of an overall strategy seeking to influence health behaviour. Against the backdrop of social (and health) justice, the consideration of the policy-design of people's social environments is of particular importance.

Additionally, an addendum provides a theoretical discussion of an issue that is closely linked to incentives: Nudging – strategies (which can be primarily found on the policy-level) attempting to influence the health behaviour of people by changing settings, (health) standards etc.