An adipocyte is a fat cell made up of adipose tissue – white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Its main function is to synthesize and store energy in the form of fat. A healthy adult with average weight will have around 30 billion fat cells weighing approximately 13.5 kg.

An exercise system that places demands on the cardiovascular system. Any exercise that challenges the heart and lungs is a cardiovascular exercise. It involves working out the large muscle groups in the body. It increases the need for molecular oxygen in the muscle. The oxygen is provided through inspiration. Aerobic exercises improve stamina, flexibility, strength, and co-ordination. It helps to bring down the levels of blood glucose and reduce insulin levels. Swimming and running are excellent cardiovascular exercises.

Aerobic means “with oxygen”. Aerobic exercises are those that improve the working of the cardiovascular system which absorbs and transports blood. These exercises increase the total number of red blood cells. Aerobic exercises are usually of moderate intensity and are carried out for sustained periods. Jogging and jump rope are good aerobic exercises.

The amino acid score or Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a method to evaluate the quality of protein. It takes into consideration the amino acid requirement of the human body. However, this method does not actually evaluate the digestibility of the protein.

Anaerobic means “without oxygen”. Anaerobic exercises are those in which the muscles being worked obtain energy from glucose and other cellular compounds and not from the oxygen in the blood. Exercises of this type are high-intensity activities for short periods of time, usually under two minutes. Muscle-building exercises such as weight lifting come under the category of anaerobic exercise.

Anorectic drugs are appetite suppressants that reduce calorie intake. They are prescribed to patients who need to lose weight. Anorectic drugs are replacing amphetamines as appetite suppressants. The most widely prescribed such drug is phentermine and it�s also the most commonly sold appetite suppressant in the illegal market.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which the affected individuals perceive themselves to be overweight even when they may be grossly underweight. The disorder is characterized by a deep desire to keep body weight low at all costs. It is a psycho-physiological condition in which the fear of obesity leads to an unwillingness to eat and the individual may exercise excessively. Physiological changes include alterations to the menstruation cycle or impotence. The disorder mainly affects young adult women or adolescents.

Antioxidants are chemicals found naturally in the body and they help to counter oxidative damage caused by free radicals. They offer protection to the cell walls against damage caused by an unstable form of oxygen that contributes to diseases such as diabetes and clogging of arteries as well as the ageing process. Antioxidants include beta carotene, vitamin C and E. These are found in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants act as stabilizers and they prevent the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as essential fatty acids in oils.

Asan is a Sanskrit term that implies a seated position. There are many asans in yogic practice that are used for physical and spiritual upliftment. Asans are postures that strengthen the various parts of the body as well as the internal organs. Padmasan is the most popular asan that removes energy blocks in the body and helps to channelize energy.

Sanskrit term for yogic postures. Asanas are considered to be the third limb of the ashtanga (eight-fold) yoga system. Asanas are practiced to strengthen the body and purify the mind.