Surprisingly little research exists examining body image in the overweight. The present study aimed to assess variation in body dissatisfaction in overweight and obese adults and to evaluate the contribution of childhood, family and attitudinal factors in the variation in body dissatisfaction. 128 obese (mean BMI = 37.2), and 37 overweight (mean BMI = 27.5) adults completed measures of: body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, weight locus of control, situational avoidance, teasing history, attitudes and beliefs about obesity, diet history, family weight history, and general demographics. Clinical participants were recruited from various centres including an obesity clinic, two dietetic departments and a general practice. A small normal weight community sample (n = 34) were also assessed. Body dissatisfaction in the obese was associated with being female, having low self-esteem, being overweight as children, being frequently teased about weight and shape during childhood, having an external locus of control for weight, and having an unsupportive partner. The findings are discussed with regard to Friedman and Brownell's (1995) suggestion for a new generation of studies in obesity designed to understand the variation in health and well-being within the obese population.