The effects of food additives on body weight in humans are largely unknown. This is a feasibility study in 10 obese adults who will be followed for 5 months. Eligible participants will be non-randomly assigned to 2 groups and will be taught how to limit the exposure to the studied food additives in their diet. Primary outcomes in this study are recruitment rate, retention rate and adherence to the proposed dietary intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI >/=30 kg/m2
• willingness and ability to follow the proposed dietary interventions
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous or planned bariatric surgery in the next 1 year
• current or planned participation in any structured weight-loss programs in the next 6 months
• current or recent (within the last 6 months) use of weight-loss-inducing drugs or systemic steroids
• excessive alcohol consumption
• bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• current use of anti-depressant or anti-psychotic medications
• eating disorder or any other active disorder that may lead to significant weight changes
• pregnancy or planned pregnancy in the next 1 year
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or diabetes requiring treatment with >2 oral diabetes medications or with insulin