The investigators examined feasibility and acceptability of a non-restrictive diet focused on increasing dietary fiber and lean protein for weight loss. Fifteen obese adults enrolled in a 12-week assessment which included 6 bi-weekly individual dietary counseling sessions to attain a daily goal of higher fiber (>35 g/day) and lean protein (0.8 g per kilogram/day of individual's ideal body weight).

Participants were instructed to increase both their dietary fiber intake to 35 g/day and protein intake to 0.8 g per kilogram/day of their ideal body weight. Loss of 5% of their body weight are considered to achieve the weight-loss goal. The intervention included 6 bi-weekly, 30-minute individual dietary counseling sessions over 12-weeks. Behavioral strategies including self-monitoring, problem solving, goal setting, stimulus control, food substitution, and relapse prevention were taught to assist participants in meeting their fiber and protein goals.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. interested in losing weight and have a body mass index (BMI) 30-45 kg/m2;
2. ages 21 to 70;
3. able to provide informed consent;
4. physician's approval of his/her patients to participate;
5. non-smoker (given nicotine's effect on weight suppression, on HDL, and smoking cessation's effect on weight

Exclusion Criteria:

1. clinically diagnosed diabetes, or an HbA1c ≥ 6.5%;
2. an acute coronary event within the previous 6 months;
3. pregnant or lactating;
4. plans to move out of the area within the 12-week study period;
5. diagnosis of a medical condition that precludes adherence to study dietary recommendations (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, active diverticulitis, renal disease);
6. following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat dietary regimen such as the Atkins' Diet or participating in a weight loss program;
7. previously had bariatric surgery;
8. currently using weight loss medication;
9. diagnosis of an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating);
10. unable to provide consent.

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