A–Z Glossary of Weight Loss, Metabolism & Medical Weight Management

An evidence-based guide to key weight loss terms, medications, and metabolic health concepts used in modern obesity medicine.

A

Adipose tissue (fat)
Body fat stored as subcutaneous and visceral fat. Visceral fat is linked to
insulin resistance and
cardiovascular disease.

Appetite suppressants
Medications that reduce hunger such as:

B

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Calories burned at rest.

Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is used to classify weight:

  • 25–29.9 = overweight
  • 30+ = obesity

C

Calorie deficit
Required for weight loss—burning more calories than consumed.

Carbohydrates
Excess intake can worsen
insulin resistance.

D

Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to obesity.

Dietary fiber
Improves fullness and blood sugar control.

F

Fatty liver disease
Fatty liver improves with weight loss.

G

GLP-1 weight loss medications
Highly effective medications for weight loss:

Dual GIP/GLP-1 medications

Benefits include:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Improved blood sugar
  • Reduced cardiovascular risk
  • Improved sleep apnea

H

Hypertension
High blood pressure improves with weight loss.

I

Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a major cause of weight gain.

K

Ketogenic diet
Keto diet is a low-carb approach to improve metabolism.

M

Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome increases risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Meal replacements
Meal replacements help control calories.

O

Obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease requiring treatment.

S

Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea affects metabolism and weight.

T

Other weight loss medications

V

Very low-calorie diet (VLCD)
VLCD (~800 kcal/day) requires supervision.

How W8MD Can Help

W8MD Medical Weight Loss Centers provide:

  • Personalized weight loss plans
  • GLP-1 weight loss injections
  • Prescription medications
  • Nutrition and lifestyle coaching
  • Sleep medicine services
  • Long-term weight maintenance support

Also see

Philadelphia Location:
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Suite C
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Call 215-676-2334

New York City Location:
2632 East 21st Street, Suite L3
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Call 718-946-5500

Educational content only. Consult your physician for personalized care.

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