lies improve lifestyle and weight related behaviors and health indicators in their overweight children. The authors noted that childhood obesity poses multiple health risks, negatively affecting mobility and physical fitness, leading to joint deterioration and difficulties with breathing, and fostering low self-esteem. According to Tyler and Horner (2008), low-income children, including members of ethnic and racial minority groups, are particularly at risk for becoming obese or overweight. Children from lower income families have higher BMI scores and poorer nutritional intake than children from families with medium or high incomes. Consequently, Tyler and Horner (2008) assert that it is essential to develop innovative interventions that will improve nutritional intake and physical activity levels among members of these populations. In a similar study, Johnston, Tyler, Fullerton, Poston, Haddock, and McFarlin, et al (2007) explored a school-based weight loss program involving overweight Mexican-American children. These researchers also found that while childhood overweight and obesity are epidemic in the United States, ethnic minority and low-income groups have the highest rates of overweight and associated health problems. Further, Johnston, et al (2007) contend that school interventions have a significant potential to improve the nutritional intake and physical fitness patterns of overweight and obese children because schools are an excellent locus for engaging children and their families in such interventions.
Like Tyler and Horner (2008), Johnston, et al (2007) specifically assessed the effectiveness of an intensive, school-based weight management program with a population of low-income Mexican-American children. This research tends to confirm not only the efficacy of school-based intervention efforts but also the role that can be played in combating obesity through collaborative activities that incorporate parents as...