• weight change at 18 months
  

We propose to add a treatment preference component to a larger study testing standard behavioral treatment (SBT) for weight loss without specific food group restriction vs standard behavioral treatment with gradual elimination of meat, poultry, and fish [a lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV) meal plan]. Eligible respondents will be randomized to one of two conditions: Treatment Preference-Yes/No. Individuals in the Treatment Preference-Yes will be assigned to their choice (SBT or SBT+LOV), those in Treatment Preference-No will be randomized to either SBT or SBT+LOV without regard to their preference.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) be 18 to 55 years of age; (2) have a BMI of at least 27 but not greater than 43; (3) be willing to be randomized to one of the two preference conditions (Yes/No) and one of the two treatment conditions (SBT or SBT+LOV); and (4) have successfully completed a 5-day diary

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) presence of a current serious illness or unstable condition (e.g., acute myocardial infarction or diabetes) for which physician supervision of diet and exercise prescription is needed; (2) presence of cardiovascular or orthopedic condition that would require physician clearance prior to participation; (3) limitations precluding ability to exercise; (4) pregnancy or intention to become pregnant in the next 18 months; (5) current treatment for a psychological disorder; (6) reported alcohol intake >4 drinks/day; (7) current or recent (past 6 months) participation in a weight loss treatment program or use of weight loss medication; (8) reporting no regular intake of meat, fish, and fowl; or presence of a serious binge eating problem