Weight Loss for Couples

Inclusion Criteria:

18-70 years old interested in receiving free weight loss treatment with their spouse have a
body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m2. Individuals who respond to the advertisement
will be screened for eligibility by phone. Eligibility will be limited to
married/cohabitating couples (n=64) in which each spouse is 18-70 years old with a BMI
between 25-45 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

currently in a weight loss program, dieting, or taking medications that might affect weight
participated in a weight loss program in the past year have lost > 10% of body weight
during past 6 months are currently participating in any other research study that may
interfere with this study are pregnant, lactating, < 6 months postpartum, or plan to become
pregnant during the study have undergone cancer treatment within the past year, not
including skin cancer treatment have substance abuse, dependence, average more than 14
drinks per week, or are currently being treated for alcohol or substance abuse have a heart
condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness report
uncontrolled hypertension, history of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial
disease or have a blood pressure ≥160/100 mmHG as measured by study staff at baseline
report chronic gastrointestinal disease endorse having hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or HIV;
or report a significant psychiatric illness that may interfere with completion of the study
deemed by study staff to be unlikely to adhere to study protocol (e.g. moving in the next
12 months).