Comparative abundance is a metric that allows us to investigate different microbial populations by comparing the relative quantities of two or more species. While isolating and quantifying each bacterial strain is difficult, changes in relative abundance can help track the microbiome’s composition and point to potential effects within the MGBA.

Compensatory behaviors refer to the drastic measures (e.g., excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, or restricting food intake) taken by people with eating disorders in an attempt to “compensate” for eating and consuming calories, as well as the negative emotions elicited by this, such as shame, anxiety, and guilt (Colleen Stiles-Shields et al., 2012; Neale & Hudson, 2020).

Compulsive eating, also known as binge eating or emotional eating, refers to a pattern of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control during the eating episode.

Conative processes refer to the mental functions involved in initiating, directing, and regulating behavior. These include intrinsic motivation, goal-setting, and self-regulation. Conative processes are one of the mind’s three primary components, alongside cognitive (thinking) and affective (emotional) processes, and they are essential for driving purposeful and goal-oriented actions.

The consummatory phase, also known as consummatory behavior, refers to the final response in a natural chain of behaviors directed toward achieving a goal or satisfying a specific drive. It tends to terminate a behavioral sequence (Ball & Balthazart, 2008; Harrold & Halford, 2013). For example, eating to satisfy hunger is the final act in the sequence of responses involved in foraging for food.

The commissure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone”, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. It plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress and helps regulate various functions, including metabolism, blood sugar, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle.

Craving refers to a powerful, often intense desire for a specific food or type of food, driven by a compelling urge to consume it. Cravings can be triggered by various factors, including emotional states, sensory cues, or biological needs, and they typically involve a strong longing for a particular taste or food item.

A cue is a trigger or signal that initiates a habit. It’s a prompt that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and decide which habit to use.

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place through electronic devices and online platforms. It involves the use of technology, such as social media, to harass, threaten, or intimidate individuals, often causing emotional distress.