Lay Health Coaches for Weight Loss: Peers Versus Mentors

Inclusion Criteria:

- Body Mass Index between 30 and 40

- Age between 40 and 60 years

- English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

- Are unwilling to communicate regularly with a weight loss coach

- Report not being able to walk 2 blocks (1/4 mile) without stopping

- Are currently participating in a weight loss program, taking a weight loss
medication, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥ 5% of body weight during
the past 6-months

- Are pregnant, lactating, less than 6-months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant
during the intervention timeframe

- Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of rest or activity, or loss of
consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

- Report a medical condition that would jeopardize their safety if involved in a weight
management program with diet and exercise guidelines

- Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render the participant
unlikely to follow the study protocol (e.g., relocation, dementia, terminal illness,
substance abuse).