It's a well-known fact - many Americans have a weight problem. The battle with one's waistline starts early in a lot of cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed a study which found that in 2007-2008, roughly 10 percent of children under the age of 2 were already in the 95th percentile for weight.

There have been a number of initiatives undertaken to help combat obesity. The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! program is a 10-week after-school course that teaches children between 7 and 13 years of age and their families how to live healthy lives.

Data showed that children who attended the program shows increased cardiovascular fitness and spent less time in front of the television.

"MEND is one of very few community-based healthy lifestyle programs with positive outcomes from a randomized controlled trial, and their comprehensive, family-based approach to addressing childhood obesity is a promising model that should be funded, implemented and evaluated," said board member Dr. Eduardo Sanchez.

Those with weight problems are at an increased risk of developing many conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Such conditions make it crucial to have good individual health insurance.