Obesity Dictionary

ketones: The acidic by-products that result when the body metabolizes fat, rather than sugar, to generate energy.

laparoscopic surgery: Also known as Band-Aid or keyhole surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a procedure in which a small, slim camera, along with slender surgical tools, are used so that the operation is minimally invasive and reduces the potential for post-surgical scarring.

LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a vital type of cholesterol that, in high concentrations, can clog the walls of arteries. As a result, LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.

lipase: Any enzyme that triggers the breakdown and digestion of fats. Lipases are produced by the pancreas.

malnourished: The state of lacking the proper nutrients and substances to maintain proper bodily functions.

metabolism: The combination of processes in which any ingested substances are broken down and digested so the body can extract nutrients from them.

monounsaturated fat: A type of unsaturated fat that exists in plant-related food products, such as avocados and olive oil. These fats are considered to be healthier than other types of fats, such as trans fat and saturated fat.

morbid obesity: A term used to describe severe cases of obesity, clinically classified as being over 100 pounds overweight for one’s frame.

mortality: Simply, death or pertaining to death. In statistics, mortality refers to the rate at which people die in a particular population.

nutrition: The act of consuming substance to gain nutrients and energy to sustain life.

orthopedics: The sect of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and conditions of the skeletal system.

overweight: The state of weighing more than is ideal for one’s height and frame.