The rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most challenging dilemmas facing pediatric care professionals today. Childhood and adolescent obesity are important risk factors for adult obesity, with its consequent morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prevention and/or treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity offer the best hope of preventing adult obesity and its related morbidities. A variety of adverse consequences are associated with being overweight in childhood or adolescence, including but not limited to type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and poor self-esteem. Type 2 diabetes mellitus currently accounts for up to 45% of all newly diagnosed diabetes in pediatric patients and is more common in ethnic and racial groups with higher rates of obesity.