39172 - Professional Laboratory

Academic Year 2026/2027

  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Dietistic (cod. 8470)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to carry out the assessment of the Body Composition and Energy Balance of the healthy individual and will have knowledge to set up and implement the hospital diet.

Course contents

Assessment of Nutritional Status in Healthy Individuals

Nutritional status assessment is performed through an integrated approach, using different methodologies to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of body composition.

Assessment Methods Used

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

  • Analysis of body composition.

Anthometric Parameters

  • Measurement of body weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR).

Skinfold Thickness Measurements

Body Circumferences

Handgrip Dynamometry

Energy Balance Assessment

  • Determination of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using predictive equations (e.g., Harris-Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor).
  • Estimation of Total Energy Expenditure (TEE).
  • Analysis of energy balance through comparison of caloric intake and energy expenditure.

Development of a Personalized Nutrition Program

  • Definition of nutritional goals.
  • Planning of a personalized dietary program based on:
    • individual energy and nutrient requirements;
    • food preferences and eating habits;
    • any physiological conditions.

Readings/Bibliography

  • Bedogni G., Cecchetto G. ANDID Manual of Nutritional Status Assessment. SEU, Rome, 2009.
  • Current national and international guidelines on nutritional assessment and dietetic practice.
  • Teaching methods

    Lectures and practical exercises

    Assessment methods

    Oral examination

    Teaching tools

    PC, video projector support slides given to students

    Office hours

    See the website of Caterina Pazzeschi