Weight loss programs seem to be becoming a necessity in the US, what with 2 out of 5 kids being obese or overweight. A new study by New York City (NYC) Fitnessgram assessment covering school year 2008-2009 reveals that 40 percent of the 637,000 children from kindergarten through the eight grades were either overweight or obese. These kids ranged from the age of 5 years old to 13 or 14.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showcases that 35.5 percent was the national average rate of obesity and overweight symptoms of children aged 6 to 11 years. The rate of childhood obesity in the city of New York was quite high, hovering around 22 percent, as compared to 19.6 percent nationwide.

Weight related issues were found to be higher in less affluent localities, with Corona, Queens (51 percent), Harlem (49 percent) and Washington Heights (47 percent) posting the highest rates of obesity.

Children from the more affluent neighborhoods were found to have a lower rate of obesity, for instance Hudson River in Manhattan stood at 11.7 percent, TriBeCa stood at 15 percent and SoHo was marked 17.7 percent.

Weight problems have been gradually on the increase over the past few years. Reports show that childhood obesity that had been determined to be 6.5 percent in 1980 has more than doubled to stand at 19.6 percent in 2008.

Childhood obesity is linked with numerous other medical situations including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, asthma, and diabetes mellitus as well as social and psychological problems like stigmatization and low self-esteem.

Weight loss programs for overweight and obese children should begin with physical activity and healthy eating. It is equally important that kids burn energy by participating in a lot of physical exertions like games and other activities as well as eat foods that are fiber-rich in carbohydrates.