African American adults that live in economically disadvantaged areas are at an increased risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease. The treatment program being tested in this research study aims to address these factors and increase outcomes for the study population. The purpose of this research study is to find out about the feasibility and acceptability of using house chats (HC) as a model for a weight loss program in a real-world, community-based setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 and older
• Resident of Petersburg, VA
• Interested in engaging community members in healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., walking, small changes to eating) and willing to engage in these behaviors her/himself

Exclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Currently being treated for cancer.
• Medical conditions that may increase risk for participating in unsupervised exercise, if medical clearance is not provided
• Hospitalization for depression or other psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months.
• Lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder.
• Currently pregnant or lactating, or planning to become pregnant within the study period.
• Current involvement in a weight loss program or current use of weight loss medication.
• Inability to speak, read and write English.
• Planning to move from the Petersburg area within the study period.
• Does not have sufficient numbers of individuals in their social network from which to recruit for the proposed study.