Glossary
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Adipocyte
commonly known as a “fat cell”; a specialized cell of the adipose tissue that stores excess energy in the form of lipid droplets and secretes various substances (such as leptin) that play a role in various physiological processes (such as regulation of food intake or lipid metabolism).
Adipose tissue
also known as “fat tissue” or “fatty tissue”; connective tissue that is mainly composed of fat cells called adipocytes.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
A measure that relates body weight to height. It is used to assess whether a person's weight is healthy for their height.
Diabetes
Chronic metabolic condition characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood “sugar”) which occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces effectively.
Ghrelin
Commonly known as the “hunger hormone”; hormone produced in the stomach that communicates hunger to the brain.
Homeostasis
the organism's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, even in the face of external variations. It is a fundamental concept in biology that allows organisms to survive.
Leptin
hormone produced by the adipose tissue; its production increases as fat stores increase, and it communicates to the brain to suppress hunger and increase energy expenditure.
Mediterranean diet
dietary pattern inspired by the eating habits of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and olive oil, with moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy, and limited intake of red meat and sweets.
Metabolism
Metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions in your body that convert food into energy and keep you alive. This complex system of biochemical processes is tightly controlled to ensure that your body maintains homeostasis (biological balance).
Obesity
Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, as defined by the World Health Organization. Traditionally, obesity has been defined by an individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI): a BMI over 25 indicates overweight, while a BMI over 30 indicates obesity. While BMI is the most used parameter to determine if someone has excess weight, their health status does not solely rely on BMI assessment.
Obesogenic environment
Environmental factors or circumstances that affect both diet and physical activity, increasing the likelihood of weight gain.