Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria (self-reported, unless otherwise indicated)

Inclusion

■ Age: ≥18 years of age

- Women: Pre-menopausal (self-report) and ≤50 years of age

- Men: ≤50 years of age

■ Race/Ethnicity: All

■ BMI (body mass index): 28-40 kg/m2 (Measured in clinic)

■ Body weight stable for the last two months, and not actively on a weight loss plan

■ No plans to move from the area over the next 12 months from start of study cohort

■ Available and able to participate in the evaluations and intervention for the study period

■ Willing to accept random assignment

■ To enhance study generalizability, people on medications not noted below as specific exclusions can participate if they have been stable on such medications for at least three months

■ Ability and willingness to give written informed consent

■ No known active psychiatric illness

Exclusion

■ Pregnant, lactating, within 6 months post-partum, or planning to become pregnant in the next year

■ Diabetes (type 1 and 2) or history of gestational diabetes or on hypoglycemic medications for any other indication

■ Prevalent diseases: Malabsorption, renal or liver disease, active neoplasms, recent myocardial infarction (<6 months)

■ Currently smoking

■ History of serious arrhythmias, or cerebrovascular disease

■ History of Bariatric Surgery

■ Uncontrolled hyper- or hypothyroidism (TSH not within normal limits, self-report)

■ Medications: Lipid lowering, antihypertensive medications, and those known to affect weight/energy expenditure

■ Excessive alcohol intake (self-reported, ≥ to 2 drinks/day for men or ≥1 drink/day for women)

■ Musculoskeletal disorders precluding regular physical activity

■ Unable to follow either of the two study diets for reasons of food restrictions (e.g., vegan)

■ Currently under psychiatric care, or taking psychiatric medications

■ Inability to communicate effectively with study personnel