The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has more than doubled during the past twenty years. The unique physiologic, psychological, and social development of young girls makes the management of obesity a particular challenge. An university-based multidisciplinary weight loss program for obese girls (N = 32), ages 9 to 14, addressed lifestyle modification (i.e., diet and exercise), stress management, and self-esteem issues. Studies have indicated that obese children are at risk for significant depression and lowered self-esteem.A team of health professionals that included dietitians, a nurse/health educator, exercise physiologist, and psychologist delivered the six month weight loss program. Measures of anxiety (Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, Reynolds, C. and Richmond, B., 1985) and self-perception (Self-Perception Profile for Children, Harter, S., 1985) were obtained at baseline, six months, and twelve months. Significant decreases were noted in the participants* total anxiety scores at six months [t (20) = 2.697, p<.014] and in their Wony/Oversensitivity subscale scores at six months [t (20) = 2.102, p<.050] and twelvemonths [t (20) = 2.068, p<.050]. High scores suggest a child or adolescent with a strong need to learn to discuss and to cope with feelings of anxiety. It is interesting to note that after the participants learned stress management techniques, these scores decreased.A significant increase was noted in the participants' scores on the Social Acceptance subscale at twelvemonths [t (12) = 2.612, p<.023]. This subscale taps the degree to which the child is accepted by peers and feels popular. Increased scores on the Global Self-Worth subscale at twelve months approached significance [t (11) = 1.987, p<.072]. This subscale measures the extent to which the child likes oneself as a person. These scores increased after the girls participated in discussions of self-esteem and body image.The multifactorial aspects of obesity mandate a multidisciplinary approach to its treatment. Psychosocial morbidity is the most prevalent consequence of obesity in children and adolescents. Results of this study emphasize the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of the obese child in conjunction with exercise and nutrition education for optimal treatment outcomes.