A recent study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology cross-examined the validity of body mass index (BMI) thresholds for obesity with defined obesity criteria in relation to measured percent body fat among reproductive-age women. BMI assessment involves calculating the ratio of body weight to height squared, and uses these anthropometric measures to predict risk for disease and health complications. A research team at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX found that BMI thresholds for obesity overlook nearly half of the women analyzed who met the criteria by percent body fat. Mahbuber Rahman, MD, PhD, MPH, one of the lead researchers for the study, suggests that taking race or ethnicity into account could significantly boost the accuracy of BMI among young women. The research team assessed 555 healthy women (189 White, 159 Black, and 207 Hispanic) ages 20 to 33. Their body composition was assessed to ascertain if they were categorically obese in relation to either the National Institutes of Health BMI threshold of 30 kg/m² or the World Health Organization’s threshold of =35% body fat.

Current research has shown that hypertension is reaching epidemic levels in America and is associated with the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. Many factors are considered when dealing with high blood pressure which range from endothelial lesions to chronic heart failure, however according to the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology kidney damage should be on the forefront. The study analyzed excess protein in urine from individuals diagnosed with hypertension and found that it increased the risk of developing kidney and heart complications. Although kidney dysfunction is a common side effect of hypertension, doctors should be proactive in finding precursors such as excess protein in urine samples. Additional research showed that diabetic patients with hypertension diagnosed with microalbuminuria (kidney leaks small amounts of albumin into the urine), have the same risk of developing heart and kidney complications as otherwise healthy individuals with hypertension. To further support the validity of the aforementioned precursor, Roberto Pontremoli, MD, PhD (University of Genoa, in Italy) conducted a longitudinal study of 917 hypertensive and non-diabetic patients which monitored microalbuminuria.

The United States government via the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is doing its part to support the use of electronic medical and health records and will actually provide incentive payments to institutions and individuals that get “meaningful use” out of those records. Health care professionals are being encouraged to utilize Body Mass Index (BMI) and track it in all patients over the age of two. The idea is for BMI to become another “vital” sign such as heart rate or blood pressure. The incentive program was introduced as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and serves as an important step in pushing “exercise as medicine” to the forefront of discussion when talking about the country’s health and well-being. An abundant amount of research over the past decade shows that preventive care through regular participation in physical activity decreases risk for disease and mortality.

Athletes and recreational weightlifters alike commonly utilize variable- range of motion (VROM) techniques in an effort to increase power and maximal force output in core lifts such as the barbell bench press and barbell back squat. The supposed premise behind utilizing this technique is to enhance peak force capability during ‘sticking points’ of a given lift. Therefore, VROM has been used to further enhance performance capabilities in a specific movement or lift when the individual seems to have reached a plateau. Current research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning (June, 2010) investigated this subject by examining the influence of VROM utilization on neuromuscular performance and the ability to control external loads through the full range of motion (ROM) during isokinetic bench press, isometric bench press, and ballistic bench throws.

The total hours of sleep an individual needs per day primarily depends on age, genetics, stress, and current health status. Infants may require up to 16 hours of sleep each day due to growth dynamics, while most adults need an average of 6 to 8 hours for optimal function. Due to genetic variability, some adults may need as few as 5 hours of sleep each night; while others may benefit from as many as 10 hours of sleep. Pregnant women and individuals with a chronic disorder may need several more hours of sleep than average. Experts currently maintain that lack of sleep can cause memory problems, depression, a weakening of the immune system, increase risk for weight gain and perception of pain. Furthermore, it has been illustrated in multiple studies that sleep-deprivation can reduce performance during tasks requiring hand-eye coordination such as driving. The impact on coordinated skills equates to the level seen among those who are intoxicated. A recent study completed at the University of Warwick investigated the correlation between lack of sleep and increased risk for all-cause mortality.

The relationship between greater levels of cholesterol in the blood and elevated risk for atherosclerosis or suffering a heart attack has been recognized in research for a significant period of time. The cause of this relationship however, is not fully understood. Atherosclerotic plaque contains large quantities of immune cells but presents with no bacteria or virus cells. Bacteria or virus cells would initiate the inflammatory response and consequent destructive chain reaction seen as plaque mineralization develops and systemic immune forces are called into action. Regardless of the known variables behind the development of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, the molecular trigger for the inflammation response has remained unidentified. A research team from the University of Bonn recently conducted a study in efforts to identify the unknowns behind this relationship. The research team succeeded in identifying the molecular activator for inflammation in large blood vessels.

The National Council on Strength and Fitness Board for Certification is currently working with Prometric Test Development Services to conduct industry wide role delineation studies for the Certified Strength Coach and Certified Personal Trainer. The studies are intended to identify the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the activities and tasks of these professions. The data collected in the studies will come from task force meetings of documented subject matter experts along with surveys of thousands of professionals and related stakeholders in an effort to determine the requisite skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively perform the role of a qualified Strength Coach or Personal Trainer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a press announcement on May 26, 2010 to advise consumers and health care professionals of the potential rare incidences of severe liver injury recently experienced by some patients utilizing weight-loss medications containing Orlistat. The principal marketed forms of this fat-blocking compound are known as Xenical and Alli. Xenical is available by prescription only and contains 120 mg of Orlistat; while Alli is sold over-the-counter and contains 60 mg of Orlistat. It is estimated that 40 million individuals worldwide have utilized one of these weight-loss drugs. The FDA has reviewed a total of 13 confirmed cases of severe liver injury reported by individuals taking Orlistat. All of these cases, with the exception of one, were reported outside of the U.S. The one domestic case involved the use of the less potent Orlistat-containing substance, Alli.