Obese patients will be randomized to either the control or intervention group. The intervention group will participate in 90-minute group visits occurring weekly for 4 weeks, then biweekly for a total of 26 weeks/15 visits. Each visit will focus on intensive lifestyle changes: calorie restriction to produce a 500-750 calorie deficit, increased physical activity, and behavioral therapies including regular self-monitoring of food intake, physical activity, and weight. Additional behavioral therapies that will be offered include techniques for reducing stress, maximizing sleep, and controlling environments. Further, these patients will each have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the research team at the end of each visit in order to discuss individual goals and progress.
