Protein and Resistance Exercise to Stop Sarcopenic Obesity Now

The purpose of this study is to examine the separate and combined effects of a high-protein (HP) diet and resistance training (RT) on body composition and potential biological moderators of body weight in women and men \>50y. All participants will receive dietary physical activity guidance through our group-based weight loss program, State of Slim (SOS). The SOS program will be delivered via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. These participants will be randomized to receive either a counseling-based HP diet plan or RT plan. Body composition assessments at 8 wk will identify responders and non-responders; the latter will be re-randomized to "augment" (HP: add protein supplements; RT: supervise RT) or "combine" (HP with protein supplements + supervised RT).

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or Female * Age ≥50 years * Post-menopausal if Female * BMI of 30-50 kg/m2 for ambulatory participants (less than or equal to 350 lbs.) * BMI of 25-50 kg/m2 for wheelchair users (less than or equal to 350 lbs.) * Ambulatory with or without a walking device or use of a manual wheelchair for mobility. Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated hyper or hypothyroidism. * Cancer (except basal cell). * Gastrointestinal disorders affecting food intake. * \