Weight Management Definition of Key Terms

Term	Definition

Anorexia Athletica

A condition where individuals over-exercise to deal with body image issues, believing their self-worth depends on physical activity levels.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and a distorted body image, where individuals see themselves as overweight despite being underweight.

BMR	Basal Metabolic Rate, the amount of energy the body uses when at complete rest.

Body Image

The perception one has of their body size and shape, influenced by societal standards and media, often leading to a desire for slimness or muscularity.

BMI	Body Mass Index, a ratio between weight and height used to identify weight-related health risks. It is calculated as weight (kg) / height (m²).

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving repeated binge eating followed by purging (vomiting or laxative use) or excessive exercise to control weight.

Eating Disorders

Conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, often stemming from body image issues.

EMR	Exercise Metabolic Rate, the amount of energy expended through daily physical activities.

Extreme Dieters

Individuals who follow overly restrictive or low-calorie diets, often leading to rapid and unhealthy weight loss.

Obesity

A condition where an individual has an excessive amount of body fat, often defined by a BMI of 30 or higher, and associated with various health risks.

Overweight

A condition where an individual has a BMI between 25 and 29.9, which increases the risk of health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

RMR	Resting Metabolic Rate, the amount of energy expended by the body while at rest, accounting for the majority of daily caloric expenditure.

Waist Circumference

A measurement used to assess abdominal fat, with higher values linked to increased risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio

A ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference, used to assess body fat distribution and disease risk. A higher ratio indicates greater health risks.

Weight Discrimination

Prejudice or bias against individuals based on their weight, often leading to social stigma or unfair treatment in various areas of life.