The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. (1) and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (2,3). Modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) results in improved insulin sensitivity (4) and decreased cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes (5,6). Independent of weight loss, diet and physical activity are effective means of improving glycemic control (7), blood pressure (8), and lipid levels (9-11). Moreover, lifestyle treatment with modest weight loss has been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes (12-14). Therefore, lifestyle treatment is vital to diabetes control in obese individuals (15).