Glossary

TermMeaning
TermAdiposity peakMeaningWhen an infant’s BMI is at its highest point.
TermAdiposity rebound MeaningWhen a child’s BMI is at its lowest before it starts to increase again.
TermAtherosclerosisMeaningA 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 pressureMeaningThe force that moves blood through the body.
TermDNA MethylationMeaningAn 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.
TermEpigeneticsMeaningThe 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).
TermLongitudinalMeaningInvolving information about an individual or group gathered over a long period of time.
TermMetabolitesMeaningSmall 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.
TermMetabolomicsMeaningThe study of metabolites or the metabolome.