It's no secret that America has a weight problem. Combating the country's ever-expanding waistlines may start with helping children learn about healthy lifestyles.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and HealthTeacher have created a curriculum designed to help teachers instruct health practices to students.

"We are proud to be able to offer this health curriculum to schools in Minnesota to help educate children and families," said Dr. Alan Goldbloom, president and CEO of Children's of Minnesota. "If we can help teach kids about healthy lifestyles, the decisions they make can have a positive influence on not only their lives, but on their friends and family members as well."

A survey covering the years 1999 to 2002 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 16 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. Children who are overweight are more likely to keep the weight on as they get older. People who have a weight problem are more prone to developing conditions that are expensive to treat, leading some to pay more for health insurance and care services.