Energy Balance and Weight Management

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to energy balance and weight management, pivotal for understanding the dynamics of nutrition and its health implications.

Energy Balance

The relationship between the number of calories consumed through food and drink and the number of calories expended through physical activity.

BMI

Body Mass Index; a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which includes increased waist circumference, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

Atherosclerosis

The thickening and hardening of arterial walls caused by the buildup of cholesterol and fats, leading to reduced blood flow.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts for energy and growth, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Obesity Prevalence

The percentage of individuals in a population classified as obese, commonly measured through BMI.

Overweight

Defined as having a BMI between 25 and 29.9, indicating being above a healthy weight for one's height.

Caloric Intake

The total amount of calories consumed through food and beverages.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lifestyle characterized by little or no physical activity, often leading to health problems.

Portion Sizes

The amount of a particular food served or consumed, which has increased significantly over recent decades.

Hunger vs. Appetite

Hunger is the physiological need for food, while appetite is the psychological desire to eat.

Health Consequences of Obesity

Increased risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and joint disorders associated with high body fat.

Electrolyte Balance

The maintenance of proper levels of electrolytes in the body, necessary for bodily functions and preventing health issues.

Gallbladder Disease

Conditions affecting the gallbladder, often associated with obesity, including gallstones and inflammation.

Joint Disorders

Health issues affecting the joints, often exacerbated by excess body weight, such as osteoarthritis and gout.

Psychological Consequences of Obesity

Social and emotional effects such as discrimination, body image issues, and mental health disorders associated with being overweight.

Epidemiological Statistics

Data-based insights about health and diseases within a population, such as obesity rates across demographics.

Anti-Obesity Medications

Drugs designed to help individuals lose weight, which have gained attention in popular culture.