Table 1 Inclusion/exclusion criteria for women participating in WalkMore

Age

45-74 years

Post-menopausal status

Self-reporting at least 12 months since last menses

Mobility

Reporting physically capable of exercise (yes/no)

Physically inactive

Self-reported exercise behavior (yes/no)

Objectively determined sedentary

Average ≤5,000 steps/day during screening

Overweight/obese

Objectively verified BMI 25 – 45 kg/m² OR waist circumference >88 cm [29]

Informed consent

The capability and willingness to give written informed consent, to understand exclusion criteria, and to accept the randomized group assignment are required.

Blood pressure

Systolic values of 130-179 mmHg or diastolic pressure values of 85-99 mmHg. Participants taking blood pressure lowering medication and meeting the above criteria are still eligible.

Exclusion criteria

Significant cardiovascular disease or disorders

Including but not limited to arrhythmias, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, stroke or transient ischemic cerebral attacks, peripheral vascular disease with intermittent claudication, acute, chronic or recurrent thrombophlebitis

Other significant medical conditions

Including but not limited to diabetes, chronic or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions. Musculoskeletal problems interfering with exercise. Immunodeficiency diseases or a positive HIV test. Malignancies in the past 5 years, with the exception of skin cancer therapeutically controlled. Any other medical condition or disease that is life-threatening or that can interfere with or be aggravated by exercise

Recent blood donation

Blood donation during the 6 weeks before the baseline evaluation (participants also will be asked to refrain from blood donation during study)

Large weight loss

20 or more kilograms in the past year

Other exclusions

Hospitalization for mental illness within the past 5 years.

Plans to be out of the city more than 3 weeks over the next 3 months.