IB Sports, exercise and health science A.2.2.2 Nutritional Strategies for Exercise and the Effects of Low Energy Availability Key Definitions

Carbohydrate loading is a dietary strategy aimed at increasing muscle glycogen stores before endurance events.

A measure of how quickly carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels, with high-GI foods promoting faster glycogen replenishment.

The stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles, which can be broken down into glucose for ATP production during exercise.

Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of muscle fibers.

A state in which the body has insufficient energy left over, after exercise, to support the physiological functions needed for optimal health. Defined as below 30 kcal per kg of fat-free mass per day in biological females.

A condition produced by prolonged low energy availability, in which energy imbalance leads to impaired physiological function of multiple organ systems, with consequences for both health and performance.

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its internal temperature within a narrow range through physiological and behavioral responses.