This research is to expand a virtual weight loss and weight maintenance program to rural counties of Illinois. The program uses dietary and lifestyle modifications for adults with obesity. The EMPOWER weight loss program has proven to be effective in 3 previous trials. In this research, we target a rural participant population. Individuals in rural locations are more likely to be affected by obesity and have unique barriers to weight loss related to geographic isolation including access to health care, preventative care, grocery stores, social networks, internet, and cell service.

EMPOWER is a remote weight management program that uses an online textbook platform, E-Text, and mobile web application, MealPlot. This pilot study will test for feasibility of the EMPOWER program in a rural population prior to launching a full-scale study. Acceptability measurements will be collected at 3 months to evaluate for needed changes; Participants of the pilot study will be permitted to continue on with the full program.

EMPOWER is a 1-year intervention. Data is collected via 24-hour record and daily weighing using a Wi-Fi-enabled scale. 24-hour records and daily weights are collected within the program's proprietary MealPlot website. EMPOWER consists of 17 online sessions (45 minutes/each) and 12 individual advising sessions with a nutrition coach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-75 years;
• BMI in overweight to above range;
• not currently pregnant or lactating;
• willing to access Wi-Fi via home or free public Wi-Fi location at least once a week for 45 minutes
• access to a working email
• willing to weigh daily and provide data either via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or manual input
• willing to lose 20 lb. or more and maintain a healthy weight for one year thereafter;
• Continue daily-weighing for 12-months after the year-long intervention (Daily weigh for a total of 2 years);
• fluent in reading and writing English.
• live within one of the counties of the covered Extension Education offices: Eastern (Clark, Crawford, Edgar), Northern (Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago), Western (Macoupin, Christian, Jersey, Montgomery)

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18 or >75 years;
• severe chronic diseases;
• underweight to normal BMI;
• currently pregnant;
• currently lactating;
• failed to commit to daily weighing;
• failed to submit 3, 24 hour records;
• underwent bariatric surgery or planning on having bariatric surgery within the next year including: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Duodenal Jejunal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Duodenal Switch, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

All researchers must pass Core Human Subjects training through CITI. Confidentiality of data collected will be maintained by assigning each participant a three-digit identification (ID) code which will be used to enter all data in an electronic database. ID codes will be used on all documents and materials as the only form of identification; no names will be used. All files and participant documentation will be stored in locked filing cabinets. Electronic documents, forms and data will be stored in a Health Data folder on Box. Only the primary investigator, co-investigator, and research team will have access to stored data.

Any data collected via email will be completed using ID codes and deleted and emptied from trash following data collection. The primary investigator will immediately destroy documents that are obtained from individuals who do not qualify for the study, as determined during the pre-screening and screening steps. These documents will be shredded.