Weight Loss Glossary

Nutrients - chemical substances (such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, or minerals) contained in food and are needed for growth and life. Nutrients are divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and fat. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Individuals should eat a variegated diet to give the body sufficient quantities of macro- and micronutrients. For example, fish, meat, and poultry contain much protein. Rice, potatoes, and cereals are rich in carbohydrates. Fats are present in cheese, butter, and meat products. Vitamins are abundant in vegetables and fruits. Dairy products like milk and its derivatives are rich in minerals.


Phytate - a chemical complex (large-moleculed) substance that is the principal (i.e., 60 - 80%) chemical form of phosphorous inside the husks of whole grains, oilseeds, and their byproducts. Monogastric animals having only one stomach, like humans (such as, pigs) are not able to digest and use the phosphorus found in phytate, as their bodies do not produce the enzyme known as `phytase` in their digestive systems, so that phosphorus (phytate) is excreted into the atmosphere. When phytase enzyme is present in the ration of a monogastric animal at adequately high levels, the one-stomached animal can then assimilate the phytate, and by doing so, release phosphorus for assimilation.


Sprain - an unexpected twist or wrench to a ligament that occurs when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but does not include dislocation (displacement of a bone from its normal position in a joint) or fracture (break in a bone).


Sulphoraphane - an active ingredient of cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, horseradish), which yields the health advantages of neutralizing free radicals and perhaps reducing the risk of malignancy.


Epinephrine - also referred to as adrenalin, a substance produced by the adrenal gland in response to fear or stress. It helps the liver release sugar (glucose) and limits the production of insulin. In addition, it speeds up heart rate and can raise blood pressure. As a form of adrenaline medication, it is utilized to treat anaphylaxis (an immediate and severe reaction to an allergen), to unblock air passages and blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Nephropathy - any abnormality in the functioning of the kidneys. Uncontrolled blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) could damage the glomeruli (blood filtering units) of the kidneys. When the kidneys suffer damage, protein seeps out into the urine. Injured kidneys can no longer remove excessive fluids and waste products from the bloodstream.


FQPA - look at Food Quality Protection Act. Blood Glucose - also called blood sugar, means the sugar that is found in the bloodstream.


Retinopathy - any disease or disorder of the retina.


Phytochemicals - chemical constituents found in edible fruits and vegetables which can be eaten by humans every day in gram amounts and that exhibit a potential for modulating the human metabolism in a manner favorable for reducing risk of cancer. (Also look at Functional Foods.)


Antigen - a foreign substance (almost always a protein) that, when gaining access into body, triggers an immune response.


National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) - a set of surveys that comprise data from medical history to monitor trends in health status and health care delivery, measurements, biochemical evaluation, physical examination and population group-wise data on dietary patterns within the USA. The NHANES is implemented by the U.S. DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) approximately once in five years.


Blood Pressure - the force or pressure of the blood on the walls of arteries. Two levels of blood pressure are measured: the higher (systolic) pressure occurs each time the heart pushes blood into the vessels, and the lower (diastolic) pressure occurs when the heart rests. In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, 120 represents the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic (lower) blood pressure reading.


Dumping Syndrome - a side-effect of surgical procedures for obesity, by which food is prematurely released from the stomach into the small intestine; results in nausea and vomiting.


Antibody - a protein manufactured by the body`s immune system (in humans and primates) to fight harmful foreign substances (antigens) or infection. Enables the biological system to fight infections.