Increasing numbers of minority youth are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) because of family history and overweight. While precise incidence and prevalence rates for T2D among children are not available, the prevalence has increased substantially in the last ten years, likely due to parallel increases in obesity among children. These cases are expected to progress to end organ damage at an early age, with the resultant increased personal and societal costs. Probable risk factors for T2DM include ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, Native American), family history of diabetes, and obesity. Prevention is key to reducing risks for T2D. The only modifiable risk factor is weight, which reflects dietary and physical activity practices. A diet high in fruit and vegetables, and appropriate in total calories and low in dietary fat are likely protective against both obesity and T2D. Although national data suggest the percentage of kilocalories (kcal) from fat consumed by children aged 2-17 decreased between 1989 and 1995 (now at 33% of total kcal), actual fat intakes did not decrease. Kcal intake, however, increased. Children's current intake of fruit and vegetables is less than one-half of the 5-A-Day goal. Changing the diet and physical activity practices to impact adiposity among children 10 to 12 years old before the onset of obesity or early in obesity holds great promise of preventing T2D. Furthermore, it is approximately this age that children assume more responsibility for their diet and physical activity, and thereby the intervention can be expected to have a greater impact on behavior. Children at the 50%tile or higher BMI are those most likely to progress to obesity, and thereby provide an important target group for obesity prevention.