More than 25% of America's children are overweight. A major reason: Kids are less active than they were 20 or even 10 years ago. News Specialist Shelley Osterloh continues her series on "Couch Potato Kids." Shelley, Are the KIDS concerned about losing weight?

A recent survey among Utah children from 7 to 17 shows 20% of boys are trying to lose weight and 60% of girls are dieting. There is enormous pressure on kids to "look" thin but many of them eat poorly and exercise little. They are the "Couch Potato Kids."

For some of these kids, the half hour PE class is the only exercise they'll get. Teacher Doug Wixom invented a game to get the most out of their limited class time.

((Doug Wixom PhD. Middle School P.E. Teacher: THIS GAME IS DESIGNED SO THAT WHEN THE KIDS COME OUT TO PLAY... IT NEVER ENDS... IT'S CONTINUOUS ACTION.))

((Bonnie Dixon/ Fit Kids: CAN YOU FEEL YOUR HEART BEATING?))

The Fit Kids program aims to teach young kids the importance of exercise and eating right.

((STUFFY ALSO HAS AN APPLE AND BANANA IN HIS LUNCH... ARE THESE GOOD FOR US...YEA.))

But most kids prefer pizza and ice cream. And while there are scores of weight-loss programs for adults there are very few for children: One, at Primary Children's Medical Center, is called the Family, Food, Fitness program. It combines exercise with nutrician, goal setting, and improving self esteem.

((LETS MAKE AT LEAST ONE EXERCISE GOAL TONIGHT...))

Here, children and parents learn to make healthier choices.

((Elizabeth, age 9: WE ARE LEARNING TO EAT HEALTHY AND EXERCISE REGULARLY.))

((Ben, Age 15: I'M TRYING TO LEARN THE RIGHT HABITS, AND WHAT NOT TO DO... LIKE DON'T SIT ON THE COUCH AND EAT, LIKE EVEN SIMPLE STUFF LIKE SETTING YOUR UTENSILS DOWN, WHEN YOU ARE EATING SO YOU DON'T EAT AS MUCH.))

((Lindsay, age 10: WHEN YOU GO TO GET A SNACK, YOU GO FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS.))

((Amanda, age 8: I'M CHANGING TO EAT MORE CARROTS AND APPLES.))

((Sherrie Hardy/ PCPC Family Food Fitness Program: THE GOAL IS TO TEACH THEM TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE, THROUGH EXERCISE, NUTRICIAN, AND BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.))

EMOTIONAL REASONS
Experts say parents should talk to their kids and find out if there are emotional reasons the child overeats.

HEALTHY FOODS
Make sure healthy foods are available.

5 FRUITS AND VEG
Teach children to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day.

REDUCE FATTY FOODS
And find ways to reduce fatty foods from their diet.

EXERCISE AND SPORTS
Encourge kids to exercise and do sports.

GOOD EXAMPLE
Parents should be good role models... make exercise a fun family activity.

ESTABLISH DAILY ACTIVITIES Help kids establish healthy activity patterns that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

Who tends to be more overweight? Boys or girls? Boys. A recent survey among Utah children shows about 18% of the boys are obese, 10% of the girls are.