Welcome to the comprehensive A–Z glossary of weight loss terms designed specifically for patients in Philadelphia seeking medically supervised, evidence-based weight loss solutions.
This glossary includes key concepts, GLP-1 weight loss medications, and modern treatment options offered at
Philadelphia Medical Weight Loss.
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A
Appetite Suppressants – Medications that reduce hunger, including GLP-1 drugs such as
Semaglutide and
Tirzepatide.
Adiposity – The condition of having excess body fat, often associated with
obesity.
B
BMI (Body Mass Index) – A screening tool calculated as weight divided by height squared. Used to classify overweight and obesity.
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) – The number of calories your body burns at rest. Learn more:
Metabolism.
C
Calorie Deficit – Consuming fewer calories than the body burns, leading to weight loss.
Chronic Weight Management – Long-term treatment of obesity using lifestyle, medications, or surgery.
D
Diet Plan – A structured approach to eating, such as low-carb or
low-calorie diets.
E
Energy Balance – The relationship between calories consumed and calories burned.
F
Fat Loss – Reduction of body fat through calorie deficit and metabolic changes.
G
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) – A hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Learn more:
GLP-1 hormone.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists – Medications that mimic GLP-1 to promote weight loss.
GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) – Another hormone targeted by dual agonists like Tirzepatide.
H
Hormonal Weight Gain – Weight gain influenced by hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.
I
Insulin Resistance – A condition where the body does not respond properly to insulin, leading to weight gain. Learn more:
Insulin resistance.
K
Keto Diet – A low-carbohydrate diet designed to promote fat burning.
L
Liraglutide – A daily GLP-1 medication used for weight loss (Saxenda®).
Learn more.
LCD (Low-Calorie Diet) – Typically 1000–1500 kcal/day under supervision.
M
Metabolic Syndrome – A cluster of conditions increasing risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Learn more.
Meal Replacements – Protein shakes and structured nutrition plans used in medical weight loss.
N
NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) – Calories burned through daily movement.
O
Obesity – A chronic disease characterized by excess body fat.
Learn more.
Orlistat – A medication that reduces fat absorption.
Learn more.
P
Phentermine – A short-term appetite suppressant.
Learn more.
Protein Intake – Essential for satiety and muscle preservation during weight loss.
R
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) – Similar to BMR, represents calories burned at rest.
S
Semaglutide – A once-weekly GLP-1 medication for weight loss (Wegovy®, Ozempic®).
Learn more.
Satiety – The feeling of fullness after eating.
Learn more.
T
Tirzepatide – A dual GLP-1/GIP medication (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®) with powerful weight loss effects.
Learn more.
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) – Total calories burned per day.
V
VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) – ~800 kcal/day, physician supervised.
Learn more.
W
Weight Loss Plateau – A period where weight loss slows or stops.
Weight Maintenance – Long-term strategies to keep weight off after loss.
Modern GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatments
At W8MD Philadelphia, patients have access to the latest evidence-based treatments:
Why This Glossary Matters
Understanding these terms helps you:
- Make informed decisions about your weight loss journey
- Understand medical recommendations
- Choose the right treatment options
Start Your Weight Loss Journey in Philadelphia
W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep
1718 Welsh Road, Philadelphia, PA
📞 Call: 215-676-2334
🌐 Visit:
Philadelphia Medical Weight Loss
Summary
This glossary of weight loss terms provides a foundation for understanding modern, medically supervised weight loss strategies, including advanced GLP-1 therapies like
Semaglutide and
Tirzepatide.
With the right knowledge and expert guidance, achieving sustainable weight loss is possible.