Obesity
             Obesity is America's fastest growing health concern. According to the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) statistics show that over 60% of Americans are obese. Compared to the statistics done in 1991 it's increased by about 33%. Eight out of ten people over 25 years of age in the U.S. are overweight, 75% are not meeting basic activity level recommendations, and 25% are completely sedentary. Over the years there has been an increase in Type II Diabetes of about 25% in adults 30 to 40 years old since 1990(this is from 2001).
             Obesity isn't just a cosmetic issue. There are other problems/diseases associated with obesity which include the following: Type II Diabetes, Coronary Heart disease, Cancer, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Cardio-respiratory Dysfunction, Stroke, Congestive Heart failure, Restrictive Lung Disease, Pickwickian Syndrome (falling asleep while sitting up), Degenerative Arthritis in the lower extremity joints and spine, Gallbladder Disease, Infertility, Varicose Veins, Stasis Ulcer, and Psychosocial incapacity (group acceptance, getting a job, etc). The most common of these problems are Type II diabetes, Hypertension, breast and colon cancer, and Gallbladder disease. 80% of obese individuals have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, 70% have been diagnosed with Cardiovascular disease, 42% have been diagnosed with breast or colon cancer, and 26% have been diagnosed with Hypertension.
             What exactly is obesity? Obesity is excessive fatness. Moderate obesity is 20% or 30% to 100% above ideal weight. Morbid obesity is 100% or more above ideal body weight and is life threatening (Cassel, Dana K. The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders" New York; Facts on File, 1994).
             Childhood obesity is also becoming a big problem here in the U.S. An estimated 58% of children are overweight (2001). Compared to the stats in 1982 w
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