Eighty-two overweight and obese children aged 8-11 years were randomized into a diet-only or a diet-and-strength training group. Self-concept, body composition and physical fitness were measured before and after the 6-week study period using the Physical Self Description Questionnaires (PSDQ), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and standard fitness tests. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Total daily energy intake was significantly reduced in both groups with a trend of more reduction in the diet-only group.