Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, defined as HbA1c \> 9%

If smokes cigarettes, must go through a 6 week cessation program first

Type 1 diabetes

Whey protein allergies

Soy allergies

Anyone in whom rapid weight loss is not indicated (e.g., ESRD or cirrhosis, metabolic cancer, abnormal 3 times UL liver enzyme labs)

Current untreated or uncontrolled eating disorder (e.g., binge eating, bulimia)

Rheumatoid arthritis

In case a previous knee replacement surgery was done, the participant should wait at least 1 year from previous date of surgery

Undergoing simultaneous bilateral knee replacement

Enrolled in a formal weight loss program

Taking anti-obesity medications

Coexisting psychotic conditions requiring hospitalization or more intense treatment (e.g., bipolar mood disorder, severe depression)

Abnormal CBC, and uric acid, must be treated prior to start of intervention

Higher than 5.5 mU/L or lower than 0.3 mU/L TSH must be treated prior to start of LCD intervention

Effects of a Three-Month Low Calorie Diet Weight Loss Intervention on Knee Replacement Outcomes