* were male;
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* had a history of major medical problems such as heart disease or diabetes in the last five years that would prevent them from exercising;
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* had a BMI between 25 and 40 (kg/m2);
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* had orthopaedic or joint problems that would be a barrier to physical activity such as walking;
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* agreed to not participate in other weight loss programs during the study;
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* had recently lost 5% or more of their body weight;
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* passed a health-screening questionnaire and a pre-exercise risk assessment [28];
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* were taking medications that are affected by weight loss or had resulted in weight gain or loss in the last 3 months;
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* were available for assessment sessions;
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* were currently participating in an alternative weight loss program.
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* had access to a computer with e-mail and Internet facilities;
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* owned a mobile phone.
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