Despite research and intervention development to curb the alarming prevalence of obesity, little progress has been realized. There are many special populations who face significant medical and psychosocial challenges related to obesity but such groups are largely understudied. While some strategies for addressing obesity have demonstrated efficacy, the effectiveness of such approaches among many special populations is largely unknown as well as whether they are congruent with the needs of diverse clients. We aim to disseminate work focused on special populations such as minorities, children, obese persons with eating disorders, and bariatric surgery patients. Other understudied groups will be considered as well. We especially welcome submissions that describe alternatives to traditional weight-loss-focused programs such as interventions that promote healthy eating habits, increased physical activity, and other behaviors that may be more congruent with the needs of special populations.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the needs of special populations as well as evidence-based approaches that have been demonstrated or appear promising among them. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Community-based efforts to reduce obesity among minorities, men, or children
• Interventions that emphasize Health at Every Size (HAES)
• Psychosocial assessment research on special populations and how this informs intervention development
• Culturally congruent nutrition-based interventions
• Innovative strategies for engaging special populations in obesity intervention research
• Studies on body image among special populations

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jobes/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/jobes/aosp/ according to the following timetable: