Weight and Metabolic Effects of an Almond Enriched Hypocaloric, Low Fat Diet on Overweight and Obese Persons

The purpose of this trial is to study the safety, tolerability and efficacy of an almond enriched hypocaloric diet on weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as on established and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in approximately 112 overweight and obese persons.

A randomized, non-blinded, controlled clinical trial using a parallel design of a hypocaloric, low fat (\<30% energy from fat) diet with or without 2 oz of almonds over 18 months. Interim analyses will be conducted at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The study will be divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 (months 0-6) will be an active, intensive weight loss phase. During phase 1, all subjects will meet once a week in the evening for 1.5 hours. Phase 2 (months 6-12) will be a less intensive weight loss phase. During phase 2 groups will meet every other week in the evening for 1.5 hours. The last phase will be the weight maintenance phase or phase 3 (months 12-18).