A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Commercial Weight Management Programs

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years or older
• BMI ≥27 kg/m²
• Own a bodyweight scale that they can weigh themselves with during the study
• Willing and able to comply with study protocol
• Capable of providing informed consent
• Able to read and write in English
• Willing to be randomized
• Willing to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant, lactating, or plans to become pregnant in the next 6 months
• Previous bariatric surgery or planned bariatric surgery during the study period
• Major surgery within the past 6 months or plans to have surgery during the study period
• Participation in the previous 3 months or current participation in a structured behavioral weight loss program
• Participation in another structured weight loss program during the study period (i.e., the next 3 months)
• Communication needs that would render them unable to understand the study and/or intervention materials
• Current or previous history of anorexia or bulimia nervosa
• Engagement with vomiting or laxative use within the last 28 days with the aim of controlling their shape or weight
• Currently taking anti-obesity medications, planning to take anti-obesity medications in the next 6 months, or previously taken anti-obesity medications in the previous 3 months
• Weight loss of ≥ 5 kg (11 lb) in the previous 6 months
• Self-reported diagnosis of severe depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or psychosis
• Participants who are involved in any other research studies at this time
• Untreated thyroid disease or any changes (type or dose) in thyroid medication in last 6 months
• Chronic/inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome is acceptable)
• History of heart problems (e.g., angina, bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, etc.) within previous 6 months
• Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Presence of implanted cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker
• History of cancer within past 5 years or current treatment for cancer
• Hospitalization for psychiatric disorders during the last 12 months