Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women 45-75 years of age * Self-identify as AA * BMI 30-50 kg/m2 * Willingness to participate in all procedures including maintaining weight/current physical activity if randomized to Med-A/Control * Willingness and ability to provide informed consent * Willingness to be randomized * Understands English * Has access to a phone * Plans to reside in Chicago for the next 8-10 months. Exclusion Criteria: * renal disease * autoimmune disorders * immunodeficiency * malabsorptive disorders * significant gastrointestinal and/or hepatic diseases * severe ischemic heart disease * severe pulmonary disease * history of bariatric surgery * alcohol abuse (\> 50 grams/day) * illicit drug abuse (other than marijuana based on self-report) * combustible tobacco use * uncontrolled diabetes based on HbA1c\>9.0% * eating disorder * cancer treatment within the past 12 months * history of CRC * genetic predisposition to CRC (e.g., Lynch syndrome) * weight \> 450 lbs. (weight limitation of the DXA scanner) * currently adhering to a MedDiet based on a diet screener * self-reported WL \> 3% in the past 12 months * currently on a WL diet or actively involved in a formal WL program (e.g., Weight Watchers) * food allergies that would interfere with adopting a MedDiet * antibiotic use in the past 3 months * night-shift work * regular use (i.e., ≥ 3 times per week) of prebiotics/probiotics/synbiotics, dietary fiber supplements, or laxatives, * Gait disorder * currently pregnant * active Covid-19 infection within 6 weeks of recruitment/data collection.