Metabolism of Fibrinogen and Apolipoprotein B-100 in Childhood Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Obese subjects will undergo a randomized physical activity-based weight reduction program (12 weeks). The lifestyle intervention will be determined based on an initial evaluation of each subjects' energy expenditure (by indirect calorimetry). Caloric intake will be set to elicit the loss of 1 to 1.5 lbs/week. The subjects and the family will meet with a dietitian once/week for 12 weeks. The intervention group will undergo an aerobic exercise program 3 times/week. The duration of exercise will be progressively increased from 20 to 45 minutes/session. The subjects will keep daily record of exercise activity and food intake. Interventions will be monitored during the subjects' weekly visit with the research group and they will be given counseling to stick to the intervention program.