NUTR-120-02 (20363.202501) on 3/6/2025 (Thu)

Calories

Units of measurement for energy obtained from food and drink.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.

Energy Balance

The relationship between calories consumed through eating and drinking and calories expended through physical activity.

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)

The average dietary energy intake predicted to maintain energy balance in a healthy individual.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

Subcutaneous Fat

Fat that is stored just under the skin and is less associated with health risks compared to visceral fat.

Visceral Fat

Fat that is stored around internal organs and is associated with higher health risks, such as cardiovascular disease.

Activity Level (PAL)

A measure of physical activity that impacts calorie needs based on how active a person is throughout the day.

Doubly Labeled Water

A method used in research to measure energy expenditure and calorie requirements accurately.

Thermogenesis

The process of heat production in organisms, which contributes to total energy expenditure.

Genetics

The biological factors that influence an individual's metabolism and body composition.

Micronutrients

Essential dietary elements that are required in small quantities for proper health; includes vitamins and minerals.

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

A system of nutrition recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences that includes various value measures for nutrient intake.

Indigenous Food Security

The way food access and availability impact indigenous peoples' health and nutrition.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Lean Body Mass

The weight of a person's body minus the fat; includes muscles, bones, and organs.

Estrogen

A hormone that can influence body fat distribution and is linked to certain types of cancer.

Inflammatory Markers

Substances in the body that can indicate inflammation; often elevated in obese individuals.

Energy Expenditure

The total amount of energy that a person uses over a particular time period.

Metabolic Rate

The rate at which the body converts food into energy; influenced by several factors, including BMR, physical activity, and thermogenesis.