hunger
A feeling of discomfort caused by the body's need for nutrients.
appetite
A desire for food based more on emotional and other factors rather than on nutritional need.
basal metabolic rate
The rate at which a person uses energy when the body is at rest.
Daily Values
Recommendations that specify the amounts of certain nutrients that the average person should obtain each day.
body composition
A measure of how much body fat a person has, as compared to muscle and bone.
body mass index
A ratio of a person's height to weight. BMI = [Weight (in pounds)/ Height (in inches) squared] x 703.
overweight
Term used to describe a person who is heavier than the standard for the person's height.
obesity
Condition in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
underweight
Term used to describe a person who is lighter than the standard for the person's height.
fad diet
A popular diet that may help a person lose or gain weight by without proper regard for nutrition and other health issues.
vegetarian
A person who does not eat meat.
vegan
A person who does not eat food from any animal source.
food allergy
The immune system's response to the proteins in certain foods.
food intolerance
The inability to digest a particular food or food additive.
carbohydrate loading
The practice of greatly increasing carbohydrate intake and decreasing exercise on the days immediately before a competition.