Strategies for Improving Remote-based Weight Loss (PATH Trial)

All individuals enrolled in this study will receive a 12-month Internet-based weight loss program, consisting of a 3-month weight loss program, followed by a 9-month weight loss maintenance program. Each week during the first 3 months individuals will be asked to view a 10 to 15-minute multi-media lesson. These lessons focus on behavioral principles for changing diet and physical activity behaviors. Participants are also given weight loss, calorie intake, and physical activity goals. They are taught how to self-monitor this information and are instructed to submit it weekly on the study website. Automated, weekly individualized feedback is provided. Following the 3-month weight loss program participants will receive a 9-month weight loss maintenance program. During this time, they will be asked to view monthly video lessons which focus on strategies for successful weight loss maintenance and be instructed to continue to self-monitor weight, calorie intake, and physical activity minutes on the study website. Automated, monthly feedback is provided. In addition, participants completing the 3-month weight loss program will be randomly assigned to receive either 9 months of Iyengar yoga classes or 9 months of health and wellness classes. These classes will be held twice per week (live via Zoom) for 14 weeks and then once per week thereafter. To evaluate the program, participants are asked to complete assessments prior to starting the program (baseline) and at 3, 6, 12 (post-treatment), and 18 months (6 months after completion of the program). For these assessments, participants will be asked to weigh themselves on their study scale, complete a series of online surveys, wear a physical activity monitor for 10 days, and answer daily surveys on their smartphone for 10 days.