The tests in the nutritional area are aimed at evaluating body composition, analyzing and delving into dietary habits in order to gain awareness of one’s dietary choices, improve them, and establish a personalized diet based on individual needs (health, weight loss, muscle gain, special diets).
The purpose of body composition assessment is to detect, monitor over time, and potentially correct, body composition and dietary habits in order to take preventive or corrective actions, leading to an improvement in quality of life.
Body composition assessment is a simple, fast, non-invasive test that includes a preliminary investigation of dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, and the use of a bioimpedance scale for body weight measurement and body composition analysis.
Overweight and obesity, distinguished by the biometric data BMI, are defined by the World Health Organization as conditions of abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that pose a health risk.
Excess weight is caused by an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, with a preference for the former, leading to both short-term and long-term health consequences. Genetic, endocrine-metabolic, environmental factors, and the use of certain medications should also be considered.
Obesity and overweight are conditions associated with high mortality rates and are significant risk factors for major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (especially heart attacks and strokes), hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some forms of cancer.
In males, android or apple-shaped obesity prevails (excess fat concentrated in the face, neck, shoulders, and especially in the abdomen above the navel). This predisposes to an increased incidence of conditions such as diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension.
In females, gynoid or pear-shaped obesity prevails (excess fat concentrated in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen below the navel). This predisposes to a higher incidence of venous insufficiency, knee osteoarthritis, and cellulite.
A food diary is a tool that allows you to daily record every single food item, mealtime, the quantities consumed, and any notes (e.g., emotional state) to be reported to the nutritionist.
In addition to increasing awareness of one’s dietary habits, a food diary serves as the starting point for establishing a personalized meal plan.
Metabolic Check is a non-invasive quantitative test that allows the measurement of parameters such as blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk within a few minutes.
To prevent the onset of conditions such as diabetes and cerebro/cardiovascular diseases or monitor their progression over time.
The test is performed through a capillary blood sample.
Result time: 45 seconds – 2 minutes
The test involves measuring glycated hemoglobin, a specific form of hemoglobin that forms when exposed to excessive concentrations of glucose in the blood.
This method is used to study qualitative and quantitative skeletal changes resulting from menopause, aging, and other osteopenic conditions.
The ultrasound examination, fast and non-invasive, is performed at the level of the heel, which, being sensitive to physiological, pathological, or iatrogenic changes, reflects systemic bone metabolism. It is very useful in assessing the risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially in the hip area. An osteodensitometer, the SONOST 3000, is used to evaluate bone mineral density using ultrasound. Ultrasound gel is applied to both sides of the patient’s heel for measurement.
Throughout life, bones undergo a physiological remodeling process in which old and damaged skeletal tissue is removed by osteoclasts, while new bone tissue is formed by osteoblasts. To maintain strong bones, the body requires an adequate supply of calcium and other minerals and must produce hormones such as parathyroid hormone, growth hormone, calcitonin, estrogen, and testosterone in the right quantities. Vitamin D is also essential for proper bone mineralization.
With advancing age, the activity of osteoclasts tends to be greater than that of osteoblasts, and physiological aging is accompanied by a loss of bone mass. Bone mineral density (or BMD) is the value that determines bone health and indicates the amount of minerals present in a cubic centimeter of bone; a slight reduction in BMD results in a condition of osteopenia, while a significant reduction is the basis of osteoporosis, which develops when this loss becomes excessive and pathological due to persistent and dominant bone resorption compared to bone formation activity. This leads to deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue, making it porous, similar to a sponge, with an increased risk of fracture (especially in the vertebrae, femur, wrist, humerus, and ankle) even from minor trauma.
Vein Check is a simple, fast, and non-invasive test that assesses the efficiency of venous return. Under normal conditions, blood flows into the venous system of the lower limbs within a certain timeframe, which reduces in pathological situations.
This evaluation is important for early diagnosis of venous insufficiency, enabling effective therapy and preventing or delaying the chronicization of the disease.
The test is suitable for both males and females who need a proper evaluation to address symptoms such as pain, swelling, tingling, cramps, edema, and heaviness in the lower limbs, or who have sedentary jobs or jobs that require prolonged standing.
A nutritional consultation allows the specialist to assess a person’s lifestyle, dietary habits, overall health status, any medical conditions, and the goals to be achieved together through the preparation of a personalized nutrition plan. It is recommended after undergoing one of the tests in the nutritional area, particularly after completing a food diary.
Medical Desk by LEO NARDI MILANO srl – Centralino: +39 02 21068118 – Sede: Via Moscova, 40/6 – 20121 – Milano – P.IVA 08436660966
Medical Desk srl – Centralino: +39 02 21068118 – Sede: Via Carloforte, 60 – 09123 – Cagliari – P.IVA 03974620928
