Delicious Eating for Life in Southern Homes

This study will compare a new weight loss program that focuses on a healthy eating pattern, with WW™ (formally Weight Watchers), an effective and widely available weight loss program. Study researchers have developed an adapted version of the Mediterranean eating pattern to be more acceptable and realistic for southerners; this adapted version is known as "Med-South." Those who take part in the study will be randomly assigned to either the Med-South weight loss program or WW™. Both programs will last for 2 years with measurement visits at the start of the study and at 4-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. While the primary outcome measured by the trial will be weight loss at 24 months, researchers will collect other data which may show additional health benefits of the Med-South diet. The study team will measure blood markers of inflammation, which are known to improve with better diet quality. Researchers will also measure participants' skin carotenoid levels, which increase with greater fruit and vegetable consumption. The study will be conducted within 2 regional catchment areas (n=360 participants) representing a diverse spectrum of patients and settings. Patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2 will be enrolled and randomized to intervention or augmented usual care. To assure adequate subgroup representation, ≥ 40% of the sample will have diabetes, ≥ 40% will be male, and ≥ 40% will be African American. The intervention will be delivered in 3 phases over 24 months by research staff: Phase I (4 months) focuses on adopting a Med-style dietary pattern; Phase II (8 months) on weight loss; and Phase III (12 months) on weight loss maintenance. Outcomes will be assessed at 4, 12, and 24 months. The primary outcome is weight loss at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include change in physiologic, behavioral, and psychosocial measures. Researchers will also assess implementation cost and the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention relative to the augmented usual care group.