Identification of Phenotypic Factors That Predict Success for Weight Loss and Long-term Weight Maintenance

The Investigational Weight Management Clinic now entitled the Weight Management Program at the University of Michigan was created to identify strategies that will result in cost-effective, long term weight management for overweight and obese individuals. The driving hypothesis of the clinic is that the 'one size fits all' philosophy is untenable with a complex disease such as obesity. The clinic will serve as a portal for patients to choose standard clinical care or to explore alternatives from a variety of clinical studies offered through the clinic. These studies will include further investigations into nutrition, the biological basis of weight and weight management and protocols using approved and experimental pharmaceuticals as well as technologies that aid in self-management of weight.