Given the length of time data was collected (i.e. 5 1/3 years), we do not anticipate a change any potential conclusions by completing the final survey.

The overall purpose of this research is to evaluate the long-term outcomes associated with participation in Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life weight-loss programs in comparison with non-Medifast weight-loss programs. Another important goal of this research is to determine whether the differences between Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life programs affect weight-loss and maintenance of weight-loss in customers.

Researchers desire to capture the behaviors and outcomes of those individuals who would enroll in these programs without the additional encouragement to be a participant in a research study. The study will employ an observational prospective design intended to introduce as little interference as possible with subjects' behaviors. This is in order to capture the pure effects of the weight-loss programs themselves, and to reduce the potentially confounding effects of merely participating in a research study. Subjects who have already committed to a weight-loss program (Medifast Direct, Take Shape For Life , or other) will be recruited to join this study, and will be asked to complete several questionnaires over a period of up to 6 ⅓ years after enrollment. Questionnaires will measure information regarding anthropometrics, sociodemographics, and health & quality of life outcomes. The overall goal of this research is to be able to describe and compare the long-term dieting behaviors and outcomes among participants in Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life programs in comparison with other dieters.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult males and females between the ages of 18 - 69 years
• BMI ( > 25.0 kg/m2)
• Beginning a weight loss diet plan (MD, TSFL, or one of a number of commercially available plans)NOTE: subjects must have already committed to a weight-loss plan in order to be eligible for this study. The recruitment process is specifically designed so as NOT to appear to encourage subjects to begin a weight-loss plan. Rather, the purpose of this research is to track information about persons who have already committed to a weight-loss program.
• Willing and able to give informed consent
• Willing and able to comply with study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to give informed consent
• Previous hospitalization for psychiatric disorder or eating disorder
• Current, uncontrolled medical conditions
• Taking unstable doses of weight-loss or appetite-affecting medications (e.g., SSRIs, steroids, Ritalin)
• Taking prescription weight-loss drugs (Phentermine, Sibutramine, Orlistat, etc…)
• Have undergone, or plan to undergo, weight loss surgery (e.g. gastric bypass, lap band, duodenal switch) in the next 6 1/3 years
• Plan to undergo weight-altering cosmetic surgery procedures (e.g. breast reduction/augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, or other skin removal procedures) in the next 6 1/3 years

Community-dwelling