Table 1 Participant eligibility and exclusion criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Female

Major depressive disorder

Age: 21–65 years

Body mass index: 30–40 kg/m²

Exclusion Criteria

Unable/unwilling to provide informed consent

Plans to move out of area during study period

Smoker

Bipolar, psychotic, or post-traumatic stress disorder, bulimia

Severe depression: HDRS > 24 or BDI-II >29

Type 1 or 2 diabetes

Had or plans to have bariatric surgery

No telephone

Unable to walk unaided or cannot walk 1/4 mile without stopping

Does not have written clearance from primary care provider for study participation

Has a medical condition which precludes dietary changes

Has medical conditions likely to limit lifespan

Taking prescription weight loss medications

Initiated anti-depressant medication within the previous 6 weeks

Active suicidal ideation

Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 12 months

Currently in psychotherapy

Taking mood stabilizers, anti-psychotic medication or medications known to affect appetite and/or weight