Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Weight Loss Programs in Obese Persons

Exclusion Criteria

• •Inability to provide informed consent
• •Age \< 18
• •A substance abuse, mental health, or medical condition that, in the opinion of investigators, will make it difficult for the potential participant to participate in the group intervention
• •Type I or II Diabetes or fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5; those with HbA1c between 6-6.5% may complete an OGTT to rule out diabetes (glucose \<200 mg/dl)
• •Use of systemic (oral or IV) corticosteroids in the 6 months prior to enrollment or severe autoimmune disorders or other conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), that are likely to require these medications
• •Use of immunosuppressive or immunomodulating drugs or chronic or acute conditions that would require the use of such medications
• •A history of known coronary artery disease (CAD), or typical or atypical anginal chest pain requires a letter from the participant's physician that he or she has been adequately evaluated and that a moderate exercise program is appropriate
• •Non English speaker
• •Pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the next 12 months, breastfeeding or less than 6 months post-partum
• •Initiation of new class of psychiatric medications in past 2 months
• •Currently on a specific weight loss diet
• •For influenza vaccine administration: a prior allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine or eggs. These participants can be included in the trial but will be excluded from participation in influenza vaccination.
• •Active bulimia or strong history of bulimia
• •Current use of weight loss medications or supplements such as amphetamine-based drugs that are believed to have some effect on weight
• •History of or planned weight loss surgery
• •Untreated hypothyroidism: TSH \> 4mU/mL (or the upper limit of normal reference defined by the lab doing the assay)