BMS6208: Sport Medicine - Physical Activity, Diet & Health

Vocabulary flashcards covering the relationship between physical activity, lipid metabolism, dietary interventions, and BMI thresholds as presented in the BMS6208 lecture.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease that account for 89% of UK deaths.

Cholesterol

An essential part of cell membranes and a precursor to bile acids, steroid hormones, and Vitamin D, with 80% synthesized by the body.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where excess cholesterol accumulates in blood vessels, causing disruption or restriction to blood flow, potentially leading to angina, heart attack, or stroke.

Triglycerides

The major storage form of fats and dietary energy.

Lipoproteins

Globular complexes of lipids and proteins of different densities that carry cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides in the blood.

LDL (Low-density lipoproteins)

Commonly termed "bad" cholesterol; a major risk factor for CVD where a $1\,mmol/L$ reduction is linked to a $12\%$ reduction in all-cause mortality.

HDL (High-density lipoproteins)

Commonly termed "good" cholesterol; a component of a full lipid profile alongside total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Physical Activity (WHO Definition)

Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, including movements during leisure, transport, or work.

Acute Adaptations

Immediate and transient physiological responses to exercise, such as increased heart rate, stroke volume, blood pressure, and tidal volume.

Chronic Adaptations

Long-term structural changes from physical activity like cardiac hypertrophy, increased capillary density, and improved insulin sensitivity.

UK Physical Activity Recommendations

Guidelines suggesting $150$ minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, derived from 2010 WHO guidelines.

Soluble Fibre

A dietary component that reduces LDL-C by binding to it during digestion and removing it before it enters the bloodstream.

Plant Stanols and Sterols

Compounds that mimic cholesterol and inhibit its absorption; consuming $1.5-3\,g$ daily can reduce cholesterol by $7\%-12.5\%$ in $2-3$ weeks.

Mediterranean Diet

A heart-healthy eating pattern emphasizing fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and olive oil while limiting red meat and processed foods.

Synergistic Effects

The combined impact of diet and physical activity which improves insulin sensitivity and prevents sarcopenia more effectively than either alone.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A population-level measure of adiposity calculated in units of $kg/m^2$; healthy weight is defined as $18.5\,kg/m^2$ to $24.9\,kg/m^2$.

Lower BMI Thresholds

Recommended measures for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Caribbean populations, where overweight is defined as $23\,kg/m^2$ to $27.4\,kg/m^2$.

Anthropometrics

Patient considerations including weight, BMI, ethnicity, and waist circumference.

Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales

A long-term Welsh Government strategy to prevent and reduce obesity by 2030 through interventions in the food and active environments.

Hidden body changes (Menopause)

Physiological changes during perimenopause including increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and accelerated loss of calcium and minerals from bones.