The primary aim of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled pilot study evaluating the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a newly developed combined Health At Every Size and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (HAES/ACT) treatment, known as Accept Yourself! compared to a commercial behavioral weight loss program, Weight Watchers (WW). Obese women (BMI ≥ 30) with Major Depressive Disorder will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatments. Depression, physical health, and other psychosocial outcomes will be assessed prior to treatment, at post-treatment, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow up assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-speaking
• Major Depressive Disorder (assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, SCID-IV)
• Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30
• Not taking medications or on stable medication regimens (i.e. no medication changes for six weeks prior to enrollment or during the study)

Exclusion Criteria:

• current substance dependence
• history of psychotic symptoms
• high risk of suicide/self-harm
• current enrollment in a weight-loss program
• weight loss surgery in the past year
• current psychotherapy
• inability to postpone weight loss or depression treatment interventions for the duration of the study
• taking antipsychotic, tricyclic, or oral corticosteroid medication
• unwilling to be randomized to the study treatments