Pilot Study Testing Professional, Peer, and Mentor Health Coaches for Weight Loss

Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 3 types of health coaches, Peers, Mentors, or Professionals. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of health coaching for weight loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 40-60

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be excluded if they:

  1. Are unwilling to participate in a weight control program that includes weight coaches.
  2. Report not being able to walk 2 blocks (1/4 mile) without stopping.
  3. Are participating in a weight loss program, taking a weight loss medication, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥ 5% of body weight during the past 6-months.
  4. Are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum or plan to become pregnant during the time of the intervention.
  5. Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of rest or activity, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Participants reporting joint problems, medication use, or other medical conditions that may limit their ability to exercise will be required to obtain written permission from their physician to participate in the intervention.
  6. Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render the participant unlikely to follow the study protocol (e.g., terminal illness, relocation, substance abuse, bulimia nervosa, dementia, or severe psychiatric condition).