STAGES Trial: Study of Adiposity, Growth and Endocrine Stages

Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females, 18-30 years of age at enrollment, who are obese (BMI greater or equal to 30 kg/m2, weight less than 159 kg) and healthy * Without medications and endocrine/genetic disorders known to affect weight. * Participants may have insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, or hypertension. Exclusion Criteria: * Anyone who refuses participation. * A genetic syndrome or other endocrine disorder known to cause obesity (Prader-Willi, Cushing Syndrome, Leptin deficiency, etc.). * Use of the following medications: psychotropics, sulphonylurea, thiazolidinediones, insulin, glucocorticoids, anti-neoplastic agents, angiotensin receptor blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. * Pregnancy or history of pregnancy. * Active infectious disease * History of CVD or stroke during the previous 36 months * Total cholesterol 300 mg/dl, triglycerides 400 mg/dl * Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg * Fasting plasma glucose 126 mg/dl. * Diabetes mellitus, type 1 or 2.