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ISSUES: Fitness & Health
Glossary
Glossary
BMI (body mass index)
An abbreviation which stands for ‘body mass index’ and
is used to determine whether an individual’s weight is in
proportion to their height. If a person’s BMI is below 18.5
they are usually seen as being underweight. If a person
has a BMI greater than or equal to 25, they are classed as
overweight and a BMI of 30 and over is obese. As BMI is the
same for both sexes and adults of all ages, it provides the
most useful population-level measure of overweight and
obesity. However, it should be considered a rough guide
because it may not correspond to the same degree of
‘fatness’ in different individuals (e.g. a body builder could
have a BMI of 30 but would not be obese because his weight
would be primarily muscle rather than fat).
Exercise intensity
This refers to how hard you exercise. Exercise intensity can
be broken down into light, moderate or vigorous. Light
exercise intensity feels easy; you have no noticeable changes
in your breathing pattern and don`t break a sweat. Moderate
exercise intensity feels somewhat hard; your breath quickens
and you develop a sweat after about ten minutes of activity
(e.g. leisurely cycling, brisk walk, gardening) Vigorous
exercise intensity feels very challenging; you can`t carry on a
conversation due to deep, rapid breathing and you develop
a sweat after a few minutes of activity (e.g. jumping rope,
basketball, running).
Fitness
The condition of being physically healthy (e.g. described
as being in shape). Remember, fitness can also apply to
our mental health and well-being. A high level of fitness is
usually the result of regular exercise and a proper nutrition
regime.
Fitness tracker
A wearable device that monitors fitness levels. Many of
these devices track steps, heart rate, stairs climbed, sleep
patterns, etc.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Short bursts of high intensity exercise designed to increase
the heart rate. Said to be particularly good for burning fat.
Obesity
When someone is overweight to the extent that their BMI is
30 or above, they are classed as obese. Obesity is increasing
in the UK and is associated with a number of health
problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease and
type 2 diabetes. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled
since 1980 and this is most likely due to our more sedentary
lifestyle, combined with a lack of physical exercise.
Olympic legacy
This focuses on the idea that the London 2012 Olympics will
help to inspire a new generation of aspiring athletes. It also
refers to the new facilities that were built to cater for the
Olympics, in the hope that they will be used after the Games
and continue to grow businesses and help to regenerate
the area. For example, the Olympic and Paralympic Village
will be converted into thousands of new homes for people
to buy and to rent. Visit
to find out
more.
Physical activity
Physical activity includes all forms of activity, such as
walking or cycling, active play, work-related activity, active
recreation such as working out in a gym, dancing, gardening
or competitive sport like football. Regular physical activity
can reduce the risk of many chronic health conditions
including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer
and obesity. Regular physical activity also has positive
benefits for mental health as it can reduce anxiety and
enhance moods and self-esteem, which reduces the risk of
depression.
Strength-training
Strength-training activities involve short bursts of effort
which results in burning calories whilst building and
strengthening muscle. This includes activities such as free
weights, weight machines or activities that use your own
body weight - such as rock climbing or heavy gardening.
The benefits of strength training include increasing bone
density, strengthening joints and improving balance,
stability and posture. It is recommended that a person
should do strength training exercises at least twice a week.
Weight loss surgery
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery procedures are normally
carried out on adults, but in some extreme cases this type
of surgery may be considered for children. Weight loss
surgery can provide a lasting solution for a wide range of
obesity-related problems including diabetes, sleep apnoea
and bone or liver disorders. The most common weight loss
surgery is a gastric band operation. This is where an elastic
band is fitted across the top end of the stomach to restrict
the amount of food the person can eat before feeling full.
Weight loss surgery is a major medical procedure and
shouldn`t be viewed as a quick fix; patients must maintain a
strict diet and exercise regime after having the procedure (a
person can typically expect to lose between 30 per cent and
50 per cent of their excess body weight). After-care is also
important, with the patient having to undergo an intensive
treatment programme with a dietician and a psychologist.
