Common Terminology of Nutrition

Anorexia = Lack of appetite
Anorexia nervosa = A psychiatric disorder characterized by intense fear of becoming overweight, even when emaciated
Anosmia = The loss of sense of smell
Appetite = The psychological stimulus to eat that may be connected with and triggered by emotional stimuli
Asphyxia = Suffocation. Occurs when the tissues are unable to obtain adequate amounts of oxygen
Basal metabolic rate = The amount of energy needed by the body for essential processes when at complete rest but awake
Body mass index = A figure derived from a person’s height and weight that indicates whether that weight is acceptable
Bulimia nervosa = An eating disorder in which binge eating is followed by depression and guilt, self-induced vomiting and purging
Dysphagia = Painful or difficult swallowing; may result from local mouth or throat disorders, anxiety, or certain central nervous system disorders
Halitosis = Bad breath
Malabsorption = Inadequate or disordered absorption of nutrients from the intestinal canal
Malnutrition = The state of being poorly nourished. May be caused by inadequate food or deficiency of some essential nutrients, or by malabsorption due to a metabolic defect that prevents the body from utilizing nutrients properly
Nutrition PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy) = The science related to the food requirements of the body A tube inserted into the stomach through the abdominal
wall to feed clients. May be temporary or permanent.
Turgor = Resistance of the skin to deformation when pinched. Related mainly to age, but can be a sign of dehydration.