Overweight kids are often depressed due to teasing and other factors linked to their weight. Not surprisingly, they often treat that depression with more food.

From USA Today:

Overweight kids often ride a roller coaster of emotions. They are lonely and sad more often than other children, and they are often bullied, ridiculed and teased by their peers, says Cleveland child psychologist Sylvia Rimm. Many "fight their sadness by cheating on eating," creating a vicious cycle, she says.

Nationally, about 20% to 30% of children are overweight or at risk of becoming so.

Rimm surveyed 5,400 children ages 7 to 14, in 18 states, about their worries, fears, relationships, interests and self-confidence. The children ranged from underweight to very overweight.

I know this is an issue weighing heavily on the minds of many parents, so let me share with you a plan I've developed which should help your child's weight problem. Its easy and, as an added bonus, it will save you money too.

Lets assume that your child is school-aged, since parents really shouldn't worry about weight issues before that time anyway. We'll start of with your child's play things. Instead of getting him or her a Playstation or video games, get them a kite or a football. Anything that will require them to go outside. I know, you're going to tell me that your kids can't be outside all the time. Well when they're inside make them do their homework. When they're done with that, give them a book to read.

You'll see where this plan has already saved you money on things like video games and DVD players. The next step is a little more difficult because its going to require more of an investment in time from yourself.

You need to start cooking meals for your child. No more stops at McDonald's on the way home from work. Hey, I know. Its tough. I love McDonald's too, but instead of eating there or at another fast-food restaurant four or five days a week go to the grocery store and buy something to make for supper. It will not only be cheaper but it will also be much better for the kid. Buy some fruit too and give it to him or her when they want a snack.

If you do these two things I guarantee your kids will be healthier and happier.