ABSTRACT
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, among both adults and children (Ogden et al., 2006). The majority of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, and the cost of caring for those with obesity-related illnesses is estimated to rise to $861 to $957 billion by 2030 (Wang, Beydoun, Liang, Caballero, & Kumanyika, 2008). In addition, obesity is associated with numerous chronic health risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance in adults (Bray, 2004) and children (Weiss et al., 2004). However, effective in-person obesity interventions have been developed, and programs that combine dietary restriction, physical activity, and behavior therapy are considered the most successful in promoting weight loss and maintenance for both adults and children (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1998; Spear et al., 2007).
