The prevalence of overweight and obesity in this country is now estimated to be more than 60% of the population and is attributed primarily to excessive caloric intake. The degree of adiposity correlates directly with the extent of obesity-associated conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Due to the prevalence of obesity in children, these typical adult onset complications of obesity are occurring earlier in life. Research in my laboratory focuses on 1) establishment of an adolescent NASH model based on dietary manipulations to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of NASH; and 2). Using intravital microscopy to examine the obesity-associated inflammatory response in the mesentery, abdominal adipose tissue and liver. Clearly, research investigating mechanisms underlying obesity-associated inflammation and injury has the potential to benefit a significant proportion of people in the United States and worldwide. Understanding the pathogenesis of cryptogenic steatohepatitis is a necessary first step toward the development of appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for the pediatric NASH patient population.