Although case studies and anecdotal information have suggested that differences exist between the early family environments of obese and non-obese individuals, no experimental research exists. Undergraduates completed the Family Environment Scale (FES) and a questionnaire concerning past and present weight information. Subjects were classified as obese (N=62) or non-obese (N=17) by use of standard actuarial tables of height-weight-frame size norms. Data analysis revealed significant interactions for three sub-scales of the FES, relative to subject sex. Male obese subjects were higher than non-obese males in Expressiveness and Active-Recreational Orientation, while obese females were greater than non-obese females on the Conflict dimension. Findings indicate that differences between the early family environments of obese and non-obese individuals exist. However, results also suggest that sex differences are an important moderating factor in determing the impact of family variables. (Author/NRB)