Effect of Dietary, Nutrition and Physical Activity on Body Composition

Dear Colleagues,

Body composition is regulated by several mechanisms, including diet, physical activity/exercise, genetic and behavioural factors. Eating a balanced diet and being physically active are two modifiable factors for staying healthy at any age. Indeed, both behaviours may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, promote weight loss and prevent weight gain, improving the ability to live independently. Regarding sport and fitness performance, a body composition resulting from the consumption of a balanced diet and the regular practice of physical activity may lead to better results. Interestingly, the evaluation of body composition may help to detect and solve different health issues in both sport performance and malnutrition, ranging from undernutrition to overweight. Current evidence suggests a relationship among different nutrient intakes (normal foods, fortified foods, nutraceuticals, etc.), physical exercise (aerobic, strength, combined, etc.) and body composition, both in athletes and in the general population.

However, due to the complexity of nutrient intake and physical activity, their effects on health outcomes and physical performance should be deeply investigated. For example, the combination of diet and physical activity may lead to positive results in terms of body composition in one specific population (e.g., young people) but not in others (e.g., older adults). 

This Special Issue will draw attention to the effects of different food and nutrient intakes plus physical exercise on the control of body composition, and how these findings may be used towards the prevention and management of health and physical performance in different populations.

Prof. Dr. Gian Pietro Emerenziani
Dr. Maria Grazia Tarsitano
Guest Editors

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