Hi Def Herm

Obesity 
Obesity is the fastest growing health problem in the United States. The most reliable measure of overweight and obesity in adults is body mass index (BMI). Once BMI is established, setting a goal weight associated with it is easy to derive and monitor. When BMI is considered, a value of 18.5-24.9 is considered within normal limits, 25-29.9 overweight, and greater than 30 obese. It is estimated that over two-thirds of adults in the United States have a BMI greater than 25. Risk of chronic disease increases in proportion to BMI in the obese population. Yet, radical treatment for obesity (such as medically-supervised fasting, pharmacological or surgical intervention) is generally reserved for individuals with a BMI above 40.

Diabetes 
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body’s ability to produce insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas to help deliver glucose to the cells) or utilize glucose (blood sugar) is altered. It is estimated that nearly six percent of the U.S. Population has diabetes, with about one million new cases per year. This number is unexpected to double in the next 15-20 years. Diabetes is also the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It has been shown that people who develop diabetes prior to the age of 30 are twenty times more likely to die by age 48 than those who do not have diabetes. Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to produce insulin. Type I Diabetes (Insulin Dependent Diabetes) is typically found in younger individuals. If Type I diabetic does not control blood-glucose levels (via insulin injections and dietary carbohydrates) before, during and after exercise, blood-sugar levels can drop rapidly and cause hypoglycemia leading to weakness, dizziness, and fainting. Type II diabetes (Adult-onset Diabetes), is associated with obesity,particularly abdominal obesity. Type II diabetics usually produce adequate amounts of insulin; however, their cells are resistant to the insulin, which can lead to hyperglycemia.

Hypertension
The health risks of hypertension are well known and include increased risk for stoke, cardiovascular disease, chronic heart failure, and kidney failure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHG. Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than 140/90, although 135/85 is considered prehypertensive. Hypertension can be controlled through Cardiorespiratory exercise and diet. However, clients must also be sure to follow any prescribed medication or physician’s recommendations. Individuals with hypertension should engage in low intensity aerobic exercise, but may want to avoid resistance training.