Glossary Of Weight Loss Terms Pg2


Healthy weight
Generally refers to a person with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 up to 25 .

High blood pressure
When blood pressure stays above or equal to 140/90 mmHg, then it is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
A protein in the blood plasma (the "good" cholesterol) that promotes breakdown and removal of cholesterol from the body

Hydrogenation
A process used by food manufacturers to harden unsaturated liquid vegetable oils into saturated fats, in order to increase the shelf-life of a product or make it thicker in consistency

Insulin
A hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of sugar in the blood

Lipoprotein
A chemical compound made of fat and PROTEIN. Lipoproteins are found in the blood, where they carry CHOLESTEROL

Liposuction
A surgical procedure in which fat deposits are suctioned from specific parts of the body, eg, the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, or back

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
A type of cholesterol in the body; also known as "bad" cholesterol. LDL is considered a risk factor for heart disease

Metabolism
The chemical and physiological processes by which the body builds and maintains itself and by which it breaks down food and nutrients to produce energy

Monounsaturated fat
A type of fat that is thought to be beneficial in the prevention of coronary heart disease; found in foods such as olive oil and peanut oil

Nutrition
The process by which living creatures obtain energy from food and drink for the purpose of body growth and maintenance

Obesity
Defined as BMI above 30, denoting an excessive accumulation of fat on the body

Overweight
Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 25 for men and women

Pancreas
A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin.

Physical activity
Any form of exercise or movement. Physical activity may include walking, running, basketball, or other sports, household chores, yard work, walking the dog, etc.

Polyunsaturated fat
A class of fats having long carbon chains with many double bonds unsaturated with hydrogen atoms; used in some margarines; supposedly associated with low blood cholesterol

Protein
One type of compound found within the body. Proteins make up much of the body's tissue in addition to being the main part of enzymes, hormones, and immunologic substances

Registered Dietitian (R.D.)
A health professional who is a food and nutrition expert.

Saturated fat
A type of fat most often found in animal food products including milk, eggs, meat and butter. Is also found in coconut and palm oil. Too much saturated fat in a person's diet increases heart disease risk.

Trans fatty acids (trans fat)
A fat that is produced when liquid fat (oil) is turned into solid fat through a chemical process called hydrogenation. Eating a large amount of trans fat acids also raises blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

Tummy Tuck
a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen

Underwater weighing
A research method for estimating body fat. A person is placed in a tank, underwater, and weighed. By comparing weight underwater with weight on land, one can get a very good measure of body fat.

Unsaturated fat
A fat or oil found mainly in vegetables; thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

Very-low calorie diet <
Also called “VLCD.” A person following a VLCD eats or drinks a prepared formula that has 800 calories or less, instead of eating food.

Waist circumference
A measurement of the waist.

Weight control
Eating well and getting regular physical activities in order to achieve and ideal weight

Weight-cycle
Losing and gaining weight repeatedly. Commonly called “yo-yo” dieting.

<== Glossary Pg 1

Tell a friend about us