Struggling to keep track of all those weight loss and nutrition terms? This expert-curated glossary breaks them down clearly, drawing from established health science to empower your journey.
Acesulfame
Artificial sweetener commonly used in low-calorie foods and drinks.
Aspartame
Artificial sweetener found in many diet products.
Blood sugar
Glucose levels in the bloodstream, key to energy regulation.
BMI
Body Mass Index: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A standard tool for assessing healthy weight ranges.
Calorie
Unit measuring energy from food or burned during activity. Consuming more than you burn leads to weight gain.
Carbs
Short for carbohydrates, the body's main energy source from sugars and starches.
Cardio training
Endurance exercise like running, cycling, or treadmill work that boosts heart health, fitness, and circulation.
CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid, a natural trans fat in milk products touted for potential weight loss benefits.
Cortisol
Stress hormone that elevates blood sugar and may promote fat storage.
Protein
Vital macronutrient serving as the building block for muscles, tissues, and organs.
Fructose
Natural sugar in fruits, table sugar, sodas, and sweets; linked to fat storage when overconsumed.
Gastric bypass
Surgical procedure reducing stomach size to aid significant weight loss.
Ghrelin
Hunger hormone that ramps up appetite signals.
Glucose
Simple sugar from fruits, table sugar, and blood; primary energy fuel.
Glycemic Index
Ranking of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose causing symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, or irritability—often called 'hunger shakes.'
Insulin
Hormone regulating blood sugar by storing it in fat or directing it to muscles.
Insulin resistance
When cells ignore insulin signals, leading to prediabetes and weight gain.
Yo-yo
Cycling pattern of losing and regaining weight.
Carbohydrates
Primary energy source from natural sugars and starches.
Lowcarb
Diet limiting carbohydrate intake to promote fat burning.
MCTs
Medium-chain triglycerides in coconut and olive oils, potentially aiding fat metabolism.
Metabolic Syndrome
Cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, artery plaque, and diabetes risk.
Obesity
Severe overweight with BMI over 35.
Probiotics
Beneficial gut bacteria that may support healthy weight management.
Quetelet index
Formal term for BMI.
Raw food
Plant-based diet of uncooked foods.
Juice fasting
Short-term diet of only vegetable and fruit juices.
Thyroid
Neck gland producing hormones that regulate metabolism.
Serotonin
Brain chemical promoting happiness and calm; carbs can trigger its release.
Sucralose
Artificial sweetener used in calorie-free products.
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