Effects of Episodic Food Insecurity in African American Women With Obesity

Inclusion Criteria: * willing to provide written informed consent * female * self-reported race of African American or more than one race in which African American is identified * 18 to 65 years of age * BMI 30 to 50 kg/m2 * reported income ≤ 250% of the federal poverty level * ability to complete questionnaires in English * willing to archive blood and urine samples * willing to fast for a minimum of 8-10 hours prior to clinic visits Exclusion Criteria: * male * self-reported race other than African American or more than one race in which African America is not identified * reported income \> 250% of the federal poverty level * given birth within the past 6 months, currently pregnant, or plans to become pregnant within 6 months * currently breastfeeding * currently participating in a weight loss program * current use of prescription or OTC medication specifically for weight loss * recent weight loss (+/-5% weight change in last 6 months by self-report). If ppt is on a prescription medication that impacts weight but meets weight stability criteria (+/-5% weight change in last 6 months by self-report), ppt will be deemed eligible * past bariatric surgery within the past 5 years or plans for bariatric surgery within 3 months * active cancer or cancer treatment * serious digestive disorders that significantly alter metabolism and weight (like uncontrolled inflammatory bowel disease) * other conditions that affect metabolism or body weight * current diagnosis and active treatment for alcoholism or other illicit drugs of abuse * uncontrolled significant thyroid disorder (controlled = 6 months of medication) * uncontrolled significant diabetes (FBS \>250) or hypertension (BP \>180/100) * current diagnosis or treatment for heart failure * serious psychiatric illness, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia * current or recent diagnosis (within last 5 years) of an eating disorder * persons who weigh more than 380 pounds (due to scale) * not willing to be able to re-contacted * are unable to utilize devices and/or applications as required for study participation * have another member of the household (same address) that is a participant in RESPONSES * other conditions that affect metabolism or body weight as determined by the PIs and MI * presence of any cognitive, psychiatric, behavioral, or medical disorder that, in the opinion of the PIs or MI may interfere with study participation