The Effects of a Commercially Available Weight Loss Program on Body Weight in Overweight Men and Women

A randomized, controlled, parallel study design with two parts (Part A and Part B). Study visits include Screening, Randomization, and Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4. Week 4 serves also as the closeout study visit for Part A. Subjects randomized to the intervention group (i.e., Nutrisystem group) will continue the program for an additional 8 weeks, and include additional study visits at week 8 and 12. Eighty-four (N=84) healthy men and women, matched paired for BMI, will be randomized into one of two groups for 28 days (4 weeks): Nutrisystem program or a self-directed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension ("DASH"). All subjects in the Nutrisystem group who complete Part A will continue on the Nutrisystem program for an additional 8 weeks (Part B). Daily energy intake targets for each group will include a 1000 kcal/day diet for both women and men during the first week. After the first week women will follow a 1200 kcal/day diet and men will follow a 1500 kcal/day diet. Subjects with BMI \> 40 will add approximately 200 additional calories to their diet each day. Body weight and body circumference (Waist, Hip, Chest, Arm \& Thigh and Sum of the 5) measures were obtained at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 (Part A). And at weeks 8 and 12 for the Nutrisystem group (Part B).