IELTS Diet, Fitness, and Health Vocabulary

On this page you will find fitness, diet and health vocabulary.

These words and phrases will help you write about the topic, or talk about it in the test. It may also help with your reading if these topics come up.

At the bottom of the page you will find links to essays connected to diet, health and fitness topics so you can practice the health vocabulary that you have learned.  

Heath Vocabulary for IELTS

Additive

A substance which is added to food in order to improve its taste or appearance or to preserve it.

• This food is full of additives, so I'm not going to eat it.

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Allergy

A condition that makes a person become ill or develop skin or breathing problems because they have eaten certain foods or been near certain substances.

• Allergies are becoming more common, and this could be connected to diet.
• If I eat nuts, I have an allergic reaction. I cannot breathe properly.

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Appetite

When you want to eat food.

• All that exercise has given me an appetite.

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Balanced Diet

A diet that contains the right amounts of all the necessary nutrients to keep the body healthy.

• Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health.
• A balanced diet includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

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Calories

Units of energy provided by food and drink.

• Eating too many calories can lead to weight gain.
• The label shows how many calories are in one serving.

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Cholesterol

A substance found in your blood, too much of which can cause heart problems.

• Foods high in saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels.
• High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.

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Crash Diet

A diet in which someone drastically reduces their calorie intake to lose weight quickly, often in an unhealthy way.

• She went on a crash diet before her wedding but found it hard to maintain the weight loss afterward.

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Cut Down On

To reduce the amount of a particular food or drink consumed, often for health reasons.

• I'm trying to cut down on sugar to improve my energy levels.

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Diabetes

A disease in which the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood.

• Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent ( = common or widespread) amongst children.

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Diet

1. The food and drink usually eaten or drunk by a person or group.
2. When someone eats less food, or only particular types of food, because they want to become thinner or for medical reasons.

• It is important to have a healthy diet. People must eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• I've been on a diet now for four weeks, and I've lost about one kilo.

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Eating Disorder

A mental illness in which people eat far too little or far too much food and are unhappy with their bodies.

• Bulimia and anorexia are types of eating disorder. Both are becoming more common.

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Exercise

Physical activity done to improve health and fitness.

• Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise can also improve mental health.

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Fibre

A substance in foods such as fruit, vegetables, and brown bread, which travels through the body as waste and helps the contents of the bowels to pass through the body easily.

• A diet that is high in fibre is important in order to maintain a healthy body.

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Health

The condition of the body and the degree to which it is free from illness, or the state of being well.

• Fruit has several health benefits.
• Elderly people can have many health problems.

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Hydration

The process of providing or receiving enough water to maintain health.

• Proper hydration is crucial, especially during exercise.
• Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated.

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Ingredients

A food that is used with other foods in the preparation of a particular dish.

• The ingredients of the dish include nuts, raisins, and parsley.

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Junk Food

Food that is unhealthy but quick and easy to eat.

• Eating too much junk food can lead to health problems.
• Children often prefer junk food over healthier options.

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Malnutrition

A condition resulting from not eating enough food or not eating enough healthy food.

• Malnutrition is still a serious issue in some developing countries.
• Lack of essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition.

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Metabolism

The chemical processes in your body that convert food into energy.

• Exercise can boost your metabolism and help with weight management.
• Some people have a naturally fast metabolism.

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Nutrients

Any substance which plants or animals need in order to live and grow.

• A healthy diet should consist of all the essential nutrients.
• This meal is very nutritious.

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Obesity

Extremely fat or overweight.

• Obesity is now a real problem for teenagers.
• Teenagers who are obese are often bullied at school.

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Overeating

Eating more than your body needs.

• The evidence is that overeating is the main causes of obesity rather than it being hereditary.

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Overweight

Fat / obese

• 70% of the population is now overweight according to official figures.

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Sugary Foods

Foods that contain a lot of sugar.

• Consuming too many sugary foods can lead to weight gain and tooth decay.
• Cakes, candies, and sodas are all examples of sugary foods.

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Sweet Tooth

A strong liking for sweet foods.

• He has a sweet tooth and can never resist desserts like chocolate cake or ice cream.

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Vitamins

Any of a group of natural substances which are necessary in small amounts for the growth and good health of the body.

• Many people take vitamin supplements these days in order to keep their body healthy.

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Workout

A session of vigorous physical exercise or training.

• I had a great workout at the gym this this morning. 

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