| TermAdiposity peak | MeaningWhen an infant’s body mass index (BMI) is at its highest point. |
| TermAdiposity rebound | MeaningWhen a child’s body mass index (BMI) is at its lowest before it starts to increase again. |
| TermAnthropometry | MeaningThe scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body. |
| TermAtherosclerosis | MeaningA condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances called plaques. These plaques cause the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs, and increasing the risk of blood clots that could potentially block the flow of blood to the heart or brain. |
| TermBlood lipids | MeaningImportant markers of cardiovascular health. Commonly measured and monitored blood lipids are total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc and LDLc), and triglycerides. |
| TermBlood pressure | MeaningThe force that moves blood through the body. |
| TermDNA Methylation | MeaningAn epigenetic modification or biological process by which methyl groups (three hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom) are added to the DNA molecule to modify gene expression. |
| TermEpidemiology | MeaningThe study of the distribution, determinants and patterns of health-related events, states, and processes in populations. It can include for example study of the occurrence and spread of diseases or other factors that influence health. Epidemiology is crucial in identifying and assessing public health issues, developing strategies for disease prevention and control, and evaluating the impact of public health programs and policies. |
| TermEpigenetics | MeaningThe study of all the epigenetic changes in a cell. In other words, understanding how our behaviours and environment can cause changes to the way genes are switched on and off without changing the DNA structure or sequence (the exact order of the four building blocks, or bases, that make up DNA). |
| TermLongitudinal | MeaningInvolving information about an individual or group gathered over a long period of time. |
| TermMetabolic | MeaningMetabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that take place in an organism (including all of us), collectively known as metabolic pathways. These pathways convert molecules into different products and are essential for the proper functioning and survival of organisms. |
| TermMetabolites | MeaningSmall molecules within cells, biofluids, tissues or organisms. Metabolites are made when the body breaks down food, drugs, chemicals, or its own tissue. Collectively, these small molecules and their interactions within the body are known as the metabolome. |
| TermMetabolomics | MeaningThe study of metabolites or the metabolome. |
| TermMetadata catalogue | MeaningSoftware tool used for managing, organising, and searching the metadata. Metadata is the information that describes the way data was collected. It includes for example details about experimental protocols, sample characteristics, data processing methods, and other information that helps interpret and understand the data. |
| TermStatistical power | MeaningThe ability of a statistical test or analysis to detect a true effect or relationship when it exists. |
| TermVariables | MeaningMeasurements or pieces of information collected on each study participant, such as height, address, or number of children. |
