The purpose of this study is to identify significant racial and ethnical differences in risk factors for development of obesity and weight loss in adolescents in Central Virginia

• Participation for 6 months in a program incorporating exercise, nutritional counseling and behavioral support leads to measurable improvements in overall fitness, metabolic indicators and loss of body fat for obese adolescents.
• Degree of loss of body fat, improved overall fitness and improvements in metabolic indicators can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation for 6 months in the program.
• Parental involvement and support can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation in the program.
• Socioeconomic factors can be correlated with the degree of compliance and participation in the program.
• Cultural differences in diet, attitudes toward body shape, and family dynamics can be correlated with success or failure in a weight loss program.
• Individual differences in self-esteem, self-discipline and feelings of connectedness with family members can be correlated with success or failure in a weight loss program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 11-18
• Above 95th percentile for weight
• Reside within 30 miles of program site
• Ability to comprehend basic instructions
• Ability to perform basic exercise movements

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a metabolic disorder that causes weight gain
• Having a cognitive deficit that impacts learning and comprehension
• Having a physical defect that prevents exercise