The purpose of this study was to determine Pennsylvania principals' perceptions and understanding of the physical and psychosocial impact of childhood obesity, whether they believe schools should be addressing the issue, who they feel should be leading efforts within schools, what actions they believe are taking place to address the issue within schools, their beliefs about the availability of resources to address the issue, and how they perceive legislative impact on the issue. The population included 2,626 Pennsylvania principals from various districts across the state. Three hundred fifty-four principals from various districts completed the online survey. Descriptive analysis of results was utilized to determine principals' perceptions. Results indicated principals were supportive of schools becoming involved in addressing childhood obesity but they felt factors outside of school were a major contributor to the epidemic. Sixty-four percent of principals indicated their school had implemented programs to reduce childhood obesity, but a more coordinated multi-component approach which involves all community stakeholders is needed. Overall, results suggested a sizeable difference between principals' perceptions of the role they felt people should be playing in addressing childhood obesity and the perceived role people are currently playing. Four of the groups displayed approximately a 20% discrepancy between expected and actual role. Three of the groups exhibited between a 40% to 60% disparity. Only one group revealed less than a 15% difference. Responses indicated that both resources and training related to obesity are lacking within schools. Sixty-four percent of principals indicated their school has initiated obesity interventions while 36% of principals indicated their school has provided assistance to parents of obese children. Results indicated that principals support wellness policy development and implementation and districts are working to do so. Principals perceived that obesity is affiliated with psychosocial and psychological issues and over half have encountered these obesity related issues within their schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]