Key Terms in Weight Management

Metabolism: Essential process for breaking down substances to derive energy from foods consumed.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A statistical measure that assesses body weight in relation to height, often used to categorize individuals into different weight categories.

Overweight: Describes individuals whose weight exceeds the standard range appropriate for their height, indicating potential health risks.
Obese: Characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, significantly increasing risk of health problems.
Underweight: Refers to individuals whose weight is below the standard range for their height, raising concerns for nutritional deficiencies.

Body Image: The personal perception of one’s own body, can influence self-esteem and eating behaviors.
Fad Diets: Popular, short-term weight-loss strategies often lacking in nutritional balance, leading to unsustainable results.

Weight Cycling: The cycle of repeatedly losing and regaining weight, often resulting in metabolic changes and psychological impacts.
Eating Disorders: Severe eating behaviors that pose significant risks to health, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.

Anorexia Nervosa: An extreme fear of gaining weight that drives individuals to starve themselves, leading to severe health issues.
Bulimia Nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging to prevent weight gain, causing serious physical and emotional distress.
Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by compulsive overeating without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia, often linked to emotional distress.

Vegetarian: Individuals focusing on plant-based diets, avoiding meat and possibly other animal products for ethical, health, or environmental reasons.
Dietary Supplements: These include pills, powders, or liquids that provide nutrients not obtained in sufficient quantities from food; not meant to replace a balanced diet.
Performance Enhancers: Substances used to improve athletic performance, some of which may pose health risks.
Herbal Supplements: Natural products derived from plants, often marketed for health benefits but lacking extensive scientific validation.
Megadoses: Reference to unusually high amounts of substances, often seen in the context of supplements, which can lead to adverse effects.