Glossary
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of your body fat. It is based on your height and weight. The BMI can indicate if you are overweight or obese.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that is produced by your liver and also comes from food. Different types of cholesterol perform necessary cell functions in your body. Too much bad cholesterol can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA, like EPA, is an active, natural component in the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and shellfish.
Dietary Supplement
Dietary supplements are foods you can buy in most grocery or health food stores. They do not undergo the same strict US Food and Drug Administration reviews for safety and effectiveness as prescription medications.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA, like DHA, is an active, natural component in the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and shellfish.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are nutrients important to good health. Since your body cannot make them naturally, you must get them from foods you eat instead. The two families of essential fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport "bad" cholesterol to your liver where it is eliminated from your body. The higher your HDL level, the better.
Hydrogenated Fats
Hydrogenated fats are fats that have undergone a chemical process, and can be found in products like margarine and shortening.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because excessive amounts in the body can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor can take steps to lower your LDL level if it's too high.
Lipid
Lipid is a general term for the types of fat that travel through your bloodstream. The most common lipids in your body are cholesterol and triglycerides. See also Lipoprotein.
Lipoprotein
Lipoproteins are particles that carry cholesterol through the blood. The cholesterol is then used as energy. There are three types of lipoproteins your doctor may talk to you about: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors in one person. The risk factors include obesity, blood fat problems like high triglycerides, low HDL and high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. If you have metabolic syndrome, you are at a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s, like omega-6s, are essential fatty acids that are important to your good health. Your body does not produce enough omega-3s, so it's important to try and get them through diet; omega-3s can be found in fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel. However, if diet is not enough to maintain a healthy triglyceride level, you may want to discuss treatment options for lowering very high triglycerides with your doctor.
Omega-6s
Omega-6s, like omega-3s, are essential fatty acids that are important to your good health. Your body does not produce enough omega-6s, so it's important to try and get them through diet; omega-6s can be found in seeds, nuts, and oils. Be careful to get the right balance of omega-6s. Too many omega-6s might cause health problems.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It causes pain in the abdomen, back, and other areas of the body. Acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. It must be treated right away with medicine.
Prescription Medication
A prescription medication is a drug or medicine that has passed the US Food and Drug Administration's strict review and approval process.
Triglycerides
Like cholesterol, triglycerides are a type of fat in your bloodstream. When you eat, some of the calories you consume are used for energy and others are converted to triglycerides and stored. The presence of too many triglycerides in your blood can cause health problems.