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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Energy Balance and Body Weight

Calorie

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/ˈkæləri/nounCore term

In nutrition & dietetics, calorie means: A unit for measuring the energy that food and drink provide and the body uses. On food labels and in nutrition, 'calorie' usually means a kilocalorie (kcal).

In Turkish: kalori, kilokalori

How it is used

Used every day by dietitians and clients: people count calories, cut calories, burn calories and look at calories per serving. In scientific writing and on European labels you will also see kilojoules (kJ). 'Low-calorie' and 'high-calorie' are common adjectives.

Example sentences

  1. A can of regular cola has around 140 calories and no other useful nutrients.

  2. Instead of counting every calorie, let's focus on regular meals and portion sizes.

Common collocations

  • count calories
  • burn calories
  • calorie intake
  • calories per serving
  • low-calorie
  • energy balanceThe relationship between the energy a person takes in from food and drink and the energy the body uses. When the two are equal, body weight tends to stay stable.
  • calorie deficitA state in which a person takes in fewer calories than the body uses, so that the body draws on stored energy and body weight tends to go down.
  • macronutrientA nutrient that the body needs in large amounts, measured in grams: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Water is sometimes included in this group too.
  • basal metabolic rateThe amount of energy the body uses at complete rest to keep basic functions such as breathing, circulation and cell repair going. It is usually the largest part of daily energy use.

More terms: Energy Balance and Body Weight

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.