Exercise and Weight Loss for Improving Mobility in Older Adults Who Are Obese (CLIP)

Inclusion Criteria: Currently living in one of the counties surrounding Winston-Salem, NC Sedentary (engages in fewer than 30 minutes of moderate structured physical activity for at least 10 minutes at a time each week) Overweight or obese, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 Fasting glucose level less than 140 Documented evidence of an MI, PCTA, chronic stable angina, or cardiovascular surgery (coronary artery or valvular heart disease) within the 6 months prior to study entry or an ATP III diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome Disability defined as self-reported difficulty with walking ¼ mile, climbing stairs, lifting and carrying groceries, or performing other household chores such as cleaning and yard work Does not plan to move out of the county of residence for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of bipolar depression or schizophrenia (defined as self-reported treatment for these conditions) Currently receiving lithium or neuroleptics Evidence of unstable angina, symptomatic congestive heart failure, or exercise-induced complex ventricular arrhythmias Resting blood pressure greater than 160/100 mmHg Diagnosis of any of the following: Parkinson's disease; chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, etc.); systemic rheumatic condition (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.); end stage renal disease; or other systemic diseases or abnormal laboratory values which would preclude participants from safely participating in the protocol or impair their ability to complete the study Actively being treated for cancer (other than non-melanotic skin cancer) Significant visual or hearing impairment that cannot be corrected and results in the inability to use the telephone or hear normal conversation Currently participating in or planning to participate in another medical intervention study Current alcohol abuse disorder or consumes more than 21 alcoholic drinks per week Unable to walk without assistance Unable to speak or read English Judged by the clinic staff to be unsuitable for the trial for any reason