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1. Abdominal Obesity

In lay terms this is called “belly fat”, but more formally as “central obesity”. This develops when a person accumulates a significant amount of fat in their abdominal area, causing their waist to increase. Calculations based on the size of the person’s waist and hip determine the severity of abdominal obesity.

2. Adipose Tissue

This is a type of loose connective tissue designed to store energy made up of fat, in its cells. These cells are called adipocytes. This tissue also functions to provide insulation as well as cushioning for your body. When you have an extreme amount of adipose tissue, you are obese.

3. Amino Acids

Amino acids are the molecules which are often referred to as the “building blocks of protein”. In total, there are 20 different amino acids. “Essential amino acids” are vital nutrients which come only from various foods including meat, poultry, milk, and beans. The ones our bodies produce are referred to as “non-essential amino acids”.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules which help protect and repair the cells in our body from the damage done by harmful molecules called “free radicals”. Some antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the mineral selenium, come from food, whereas others, such as certain enzymes, are produced in our bodies. They are essential to good health.

5. Appetite Suppressant

An appetite suppressant is a substance (usually a prescription or over the counter pill) which is supposed to help you lose weight by decreasing your appetite. The ones which are effective typically cause an increase in the production of brain chemicals which make you feel less hungry.

6. Aspartame

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used as a substitute for sugar in many “sugar free” foods and beverages. It is made from a combination of phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol. There is much controversy as to the safety of aspartame, although it has been approved as a food additive by the FDA.

7. Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is basically any type of weight loss surgery. It involves altering your digestive system in a way which will allow you to eat only small portions of food, for example by making your stomach smaller. The most common type of bariatric surgery in the USA is gastric bypass surgery.

8. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

This is a very precise method used to measure your body fat percentage. It works by attaching electrodes to your body so that a low-level electrical signal can pass through the water in your fat and muscle. Impedance refers to the amount of resistance the signal meets as it travels through. Higher amounts of fat create more resistance.

9. BMI

See Body Mass Index

10. Body Composition

Your body composition refers to the amount of fat in your body as well as the amount of fat-free mass or tissue your body has in it. Your muscles, bones, water and any other tissue in your body (e.g. cartilage, skin, and organs) make up your fat-free mass.

11. Body Mass Index

Your body mass index (BMI) is a measurement based on the relationship between your height and weight. The number from the calculation is used to determine whether or not you are at a healthy weight for your height. It correlates loosely to the amount of body fat you have.

12. Caloric Deficit

Whenever you take in fewer calories than the amount of calories your body needs for fuel, you create a caloric deficit which will lead to weight loss. Considering 3500 calories equals one pound, a daily caloric deficit of 500 calories should (theoretically) result in a one pound weight loss per week.

13. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in food provide the primary source of energy for your body. Starches, sugars, and fiber (or cellulose) are the three kinds of carbohydrates. Your body breaks them down into glucose (blood sugar), which your body can use for immediate energy needs or store as fat to use at a later time.

14. Cardio Workout

Whenever you do any kind of physical activity which elevates your heart rate for a prolonged amount of time you are getting a cardio workout. Your heart and blood vessels, or cardiovascular system, are being worked, which is beneficial to your health. Types of cardio exercise include running, cycling, aerobics, swimming and walking.

15. Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, sometimes referred to as CVD, is essentially any type of heart disease. It can involve the heart muscle itself or the blood vessels. When either of these is impaired or malfunctioning, it can result in chest pain, abnormal heart beat, a stroke, heart failure, a heart attack or death.

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