Hospital Workplace Nutrition Study

Using a randomized controlled trial design, participants will be randomly assigned to either a plant-based or a control diet for 12 weeks. T Before and after each intervention period, the investigators will measure participant body weight, blood pressure, and plasma lipid concentrations.

Inclusion criteria

• Employee of Sibley hospital
• Male or female
• Age at least 18 years
• Have a BMI >25 kg/m2
• Ability and willingness to participate in all components of the study
• A willingness to follow a plant-based diet for the duration of the study
• A willingness to attend weekly classes for the duration of the study
• A willingness to keep physical activity level consistent throughout the duration of the study

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes mellitus type 1 or history of any endocrine condition that would affect body weight, such as a pituitary abnormality or Cushing's syndrome
• Smoking during the past six months
• Alcohol consumption of more than 2 drinks per day or the equivalent, episodic increased drinking (e.g., more than 2 drinks per day on weekends), or a history of alcohol abuse or dependency followed by any current use
• Current or unresolved past drug abuse
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the next 12 weeks
• Intention to leave hospital employment in the next 12 weeks
• Unstable medical or psychiatric status
• Evidence of an eating disorder
• Lack of English fluency
• Inability to maintain current medication regimen