**6. Overweight and obesity**

*Overweight* and *obesity* are defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 25–29.9 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 or greater, respectively. Although the prevalence of obesity has steadily increased over the last three decades, recent data indicate a plateau in the

## *Exercise Prescriptions for Co-Morbid Conditions DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98339*

overall prevalence of obesity. Statistics relating to young adult population indicate that 32% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Data on overweight/ obesity prevalence among the adult and pediatric populations and its health implications have augmented awareness in the value of identifying and treating individuals with excess body weight [29]. Overweight and obese patients are linked to an increased risk of the development of chronic diseases including CVD, DM, some forms of cancer, and musculoskeletal problems. The body weight dynamics is dependent on energy balance that is determined by EI and EE. For an individual who is overweight or obese to reduce body weight, EE must exceed EI. Continuous weight loss of 3–5% is likely to result in clinically meaningful reductions in several CVD risk factors, including TG, blood glucose, and HbA1C levels, and the risk of developing T2DM. Lifestyle modifications for loosing weight combine reductions in Energy Intake (EI) with increase in EE (energy expenditure) through exercise and other forms of PA often result in an initial 5–10% reduction in body weight. Apparently, PA has a modest impact on the amount of weight loss, relative to initial weight loss intervention in comparison to reductions in EI [30]. The ACSM's recommends that (a) <150 min/wk. of PA promotes minimal weight loss, (b) >150 min/ wk. of PA results in modest weight loss of ~2–3 kg, and (c) >225–420 min/wk. of PA results in a 5- to 7.5-kg weight loss. However, there is literature that suggests it may take more than the consensus public health recommendation for PA of 150 min/wk. or 30 min of PA on most days of the week to prevent weight gain after weight loss. There is some evidence for ~200–300 min/wk. of PA during weight maintenance to reduce weight regain after weight loss, and the more the better [31]. The ACSM makes the following recommendations regarding exercise testing and training for individuals with overweight and obesity.
