The rate of early childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has increased significantly over the last 30 years. The psychosocial risks of potential stigmatization and discrimination in an overweight child can cause low-esteem and/or reduced school performance. Overweight and obese children also face the increased health risks associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure; onset of Type 2 diabetes; and asthma. Many of the communities served by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start (OHS) have been affected by the staggering rise in national childhood obesity rates. Head Start programs located in low-income neighborhoods faced with the environmental risk factors of obesity, such as lack of safe outdoor play spaces and inaccessibility of low-cost, high-quality healthful foods, have seen an increase in the number of overweight children. Recognizing the need to address the increasing rates of childhood obesity and the impact of the Head Start program on the national community, Congress mandated that within one year after the enactment of Public Law 110-134, "Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007," the Office of Head Start would submit to Congress a report on the Secretary's progress in assisting program efforts to prevent and reduce obesity in children who participate in Head Start programs. This report describes the activities and initiatives undertaken by the Office of Head Start to support Head Start grantees and delegate agencies in taking steps to reduce overweight and obesity among Head Start children and their families.