Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Development and Evaluation of a SlimFast Internet Behavioral Weight Loss Program
Brief Summary: The Internet has been used effectively in behavioral weight loss programs. Most of these programs have involved a therapist who provides email counseling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a computer-assisted weight loss program could be developed (that would use pre-programmed computer generated messages rather than human generated messages) and whether this program would be as effective as the therapist-assisted weight loss program.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant in the Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), Managed Care Organization (MCO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) programs of the Louisiana State Employees Group Benefits Health Insurance
* Agree to travel for treatment to the assigned study site
* Agree to randomized treatment assignment
* Male and females age 20-60 years
* Body Mass Index \>40kg/m2 but \< 60 kg/m2
* Females must be non-pregnant and using an approved contraception method
* Complete Blood Count (CBC): normal hematocrit, white count and platelet count, unless waived by Principal Investigator (PI)
* Uric Acid \<9.0 mg/dl
* Normal Creatinine
* Normal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
* Negative urine pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential
* Able to give written informed consent
* Able to comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

Factors that may limit adherence to interventions or affect conduct of the trial:

* Unable or unwilling to give informed consent or communicate with local study staff
* Hospitalization for psychiatric illness or substance use/abuse within the past year
* Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past twelve months
* Current major depressive episode or history of suicidal behaviors
* Endorsement of significant recent suicidal ideation (as determined by PI)
* Travel plans that do not permit participation
* History of prior bariatric surgery, small bowel resection, or extensive bowel resection
* Current use of chronic systemic corticosteroids, appetite suppressants, antipsychotic medication, herbal medications for weight loss or any medication not approved by the PI.
* Another member of the household is a participant or staff member in the study
* History of eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating
* Diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder (as determined by the PI)
* Currently pregnant or nursing or plans to become pregnant in the next five years
* Except for non-melanoma skin cancer, cancer requiring treatment in the past five years, unless the prognosis is excellent
* Self report of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive, hepatitis C or active tuberculosis
* Cardiovascular disease event within the past year
* Severe congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] Functional Class III, IV)
* Second degree or greater heart block
* Blood Pressure \>160 systolic or \>100 diastolic on two consecutive visits, unless treated and re-screened
* Based upon responses to psychological screening or an interview, patients may be excluded by the study psychologist.
* Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral limitations that in the judgment of the investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow the intervention protocol.
* Pregnancy is to be avoided during the study. Women who have not had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy must have a negative urine pregnancy test result at screening. Women of childbearing potential will be allowed to participate if they have undergone tubal ligation, or use one of the following types of contraception: properly used condom or diaphragm, oral contraceptives, hormonal implant, or intrauterine device (IUD). Sexual abstinence may constitute an acceptable birth control method for this study with investigator approval. Women with male partners who have had a successful vasectomy (more than one year of unprotected sexual intercourse without pregnancy) are not required to use additional birth control methods as long as the relationship remains exclusive, and the woman agrees to use an approved contraception method with any other male partner. Questions regarding individual patient contraceptive practices should be directed to the Principal Investigator.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Overweight or obese

Exclusion Criteria:

* heart disease
* stroke
* cancer
* diabetes
* orthopedic problems
* pregnancy
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Apparently healthy and recently retired

Exclusion Criteria:

* Using drugs that might influence body composition, digestion or physical activities
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* Within 5 pounds below or equal to their MAW or above MAW according to USAF Weight and height tables
* Access to personal computer with Internet access
* Plan to remain in the local area for one year
* Male or female between the ages 18-55 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant, planning to become pregnant or becomes pregnant
* Weight loss of more than 10 pounds in the past 3 months
* No prescription or nonprescription weight-loss medication for at least 6 months prior to screening
* On any medical profile. Specific exclusion includes history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer in the past 5 years, diabetes, angina, and orthopedic or joint problems that would prohibit exercise.

Answer: B