Background: Albania has undergone a rapid demographic transition characterized by pronounced population aging. Comprehensive geriatric assessment-functional performance, validated nutritional screening tools, and systematic evaluation of morbidities-is essential for accurately characterizing frailty and identifying the risk of malnutrition in its early stages. The objective of the present study was to improve the assessment of the health status of Albanian older adults, both community-dwelling and residing in long-term care facilities, by addressing both functional and nutritional components. Methods: This observational study included Albanian older adults aged ≥ 65 years, both institutionalized and community-dwelling. Frailty and nutritional status were assessed using validated questionnaires (Grauer Geriatric Functional Evaluation and Mini Nutritional Assessment-MNA), alongside body composition analysis performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Data for 123 older adults were analyzed (56.9% female; mean age 71.3 ± 7.4 years; 54.5% institutionalized vs. 45.5% community-dwelling). A high prevalence of frailty and multimorbidity was observed, particularly among institutionalized older adults. With regard to nutritional status, marked age-related differences were identified among females, with a pronounced deterioration in those aged over 75 years. Body-composition-derived parameters identified a substantially higher proportion of individuals at risk of malnutrition compared with other conventional anthropometric measures. Low body cell mass index (BCMI) and institutionalization were the factors with the strongest independent associations with frailty (AOR 5.02, 95% CI 1.69-14.87, p = 0.004, and AOR 5.71, 95% CI 1.76-18.54, p = 0.004, respectively), while low BCMI was the only variable associated with an increased risk of malnutrition (AOR 4.88, 95% CI 1.78-13.40, p = 0.002). Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that incorporating body composition parameters into geriatric assessment may provide complementary information alongside traditional screening tools to support the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.

BACKGROUND:Healthy eating habits during childhood and adolescence are essential to support optimal nutritional status and may influence health in adulthood. This study assessed nutritional status and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among Albanian students. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 388 students aged 9-17 years living in Vlora and Tirana. Data collected included sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, and KIDMED index. Factors associated with poor MD adherence were investigated using univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression (AORs: 95% CIs). RESULTS:Data from 388 students were included in the analysis (mean age: 13.0 ± 1.9 years; 54.1% females). Pre-adolescents (≤13 years) accounted for 53.4% of the sample, while adolescents (>13 years) accounted for 46.6%. Overall, 35% of students were overweight or obese. The mean KIDMED score indicated suboptimal MD adherence (5.5 ± 2.6), with significant differences by sex (females 5.2 ± 2.7 vs. males 5.8 ± 2.5; p = 0.03), place of residence (Vlora 5.8 ± 2.5 vs. Tirana 5.2 ± 2.6; p = 0.05), and age (≤13 years 6.1 ± 2.3 vs. >13 years 4.8 ± 2.7; p < 0.001). Adolescence was the strongest predictor of poor MD adherence (AOR 3.25; 1.96-5.38; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:The MD is a key dietary pattern for supporting health across the life course. Girls and adolescents showed poorer MD profiles. Further research is needed to clarify the determinants that drive suboptimal dietary behaviors in Albanian youth, in line with growing concerns about the "hidden crisis" of adolescent nutrition.

Background: Nutritional status and lifestyle factors are increasingly recognized as relevant modulators of women's reproductive health. However, data remain limited on the relationship between body composition, dietary habits, and menstrual cycle characteristics in apparently healthy young women. This study aimed to assess nutritional status, body composition, and lifestyle behaviors in young women and to explore their associations with menstrual cycle regularity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 49 apparently healthy women aged 19-30 years. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Dietary habits were evaluated through a simplified food frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the PREDIMED score. Physical activity was estimated using MET values based on the Compendium of Physical Activities. Menstrual cycle characteristics were collected via questionnaire. Group comparisons were performed between women with regular and irregular menstrual cycles. Results: The sample was predominantly normal-weight (mean BMI 22.36 ± 4.26 kg/m2). Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance parameters did not differ significantly between women with regular and irregular cycles. Women with irregular cycles showed higher resistance and extracellular water and lower phase angle and body cell mass, although differences were not statistically significant. A significant association was found for meat consumption, which was lower in women with irregular cycles (p = 0.007). No associations were observed for other dietary variables, physical activity, or meal frequency. Conclusions: Menstrual regularity in young women was not associated with major anthropometric differences but may be linked to subtle aspects of nutritional status and dietary habits. Lower meat consumption emerged as a potential dietary factor associated with menstrual irregularity. Although associations were modest, these findings support the relevance of nutritional and lifestyle factors in menstrual health. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these relationships.

Global malnutrition and hunger represent crises of alarming magnitude, threatening progress toward all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition are complex and interconnected, including conflict, climate change, migration, population aging, and the erosion of social capital. Despite some progress in specific areas, current trends reveal insufficient advancement toward key global nutrition and diet-related, non-communicable disease targets, confirming the persistent double burden of malnutrition. Without urgent, multisectoral action—including investments in integrated nutrition policies, resilient food systems, and conflict resolution—the goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 remains unlikely. The World Food Program estimates that in 2025, 319 million people will face acute food insecurity; if current trends persist, approximately 582 million people could still be chronically undernourished by 2030. Furthermore, overweight and obesity are projected to continue rising globally, with adult obesity prevalence expected to reach 19.8% in 2030. This narrative review synthesizes current global trends in malnutrition—both undernutrition and overnutrition—and food insecurity; it explores the root causes driving these crises and analyzes the scientific literature to inform future research in the critical years leading up to the 2030 Agenda deadline. It calls for coordinated global efforts that prioritize vulnerable populations, which are essential to reversing the current trajectory of malnutrition and hunger. Since nutrition is a fundamental component of sustainable development, achieving the SDG 2 targets is essential to the accomplishment of all 17 goals.

Background: Albania is undergoing a demographic, epidemiological, and nutrition transition leading to an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among new generations. Comprehensive studies on the nutritional status and dietary patterns of youths in the country are still lacking. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of students (10–18 years) attending secondary schools in rural and semi-urban areas (October–November 2024). Information collected included socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements (weight, height), and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) (KIDMED). Factors influencing dietary patterns were investigated, with a multivariate logistic regression performed to identify key drivers for poor MD adherence (AOR 95% CI). Results: In total, 426 children (47.2% females) were interviewed. Over 20% of the sample was overweight or obese, with the prevalence of these diseases decreasing with age regardless of gender. The KIDMED score highlighted suboptimal MD adherence (4.6 ± 2.5 SD), with significant differences between females and males (4.1 ± 2.4 SD vs. 5.1 ± 2.4 SD, p < 0.001), especially in rural areas (3.9 ± 2.4 SD vs. 4.9 ± 2.5 SD, p = 0.003). Dietary quality tended to decline with age. Female gender was the strongest predictor of poor MD adherence (AOR 2.08 CI: 1.34–3.22; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The MD is a cornerstone for ensuring the Albanian population’s long-term health and well-being. This study holds significant public health relevance in a country with high mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases. Future nutrition interventions focused on the poor MD adherence of new generations should take into consideration geographic, cultural, and social dimensions, including gender equality.

Background: Understanding the specific needs of cancer survivors is essential for healthcare policy. In Italy, dedicated studies are lacking, so we aimed to investigate the physical, mental, social, and health difficulties encountered by these patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on breast or colorectal cancer survivors (people 5+ years free from it and its treatments) using an ad hoc survey including validated questionnaires (Grauer–Palombi, SF-36, PREDIMED). Participants were recruited within the Oncology Unit of the “Policlinico Tor Vergata”, Italy. Results: A total of 62 patients (80.6% females; years range: 37–87) agreed to be interviewed. A profile of cancer survivors was drafted: an overaged person with multiple co-morbidities, not well-nourished, adhering to the Mediterranean diet, reporting critical conditions as for physical and functional status. The mean number of co-morbidities was 3.6 ± 2.4 SD, with a statistically significant difference between age groups (under and over 65). Compared to the general population, the sample showed more frailties, especially when >65. The risk of having multimorbidity (four or more co-morbidities) significantly increased in those over 65 (OR: 4.72; CI: 1.43–15.59). Conclusion: There is an urgent need for survivorship care planning for the patient-centered continuum of care. Assessing and monitoring their specific needs will help propose appropriate and tailored responses.

Objectives: In Albania, a large number of infant and young child have a poor nutritional status. At the same time, the population is undergoing a nutrition transition, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among adults. Few data are available on the nutrition status of those aged between 6 and 18 years in Albanian. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of Albanian children and conduct a one-year follow-up. Methods: In Yilber Elementary School in Tirana, body composition (FAT, FFM, TBW) by BIA (RJL device) was measured in 314 children, 151 boys and 163 girls, aged 7–15 years. Food intake was also measured with a food questioner. Height and weight were compared with the international reference values. One year after the first survey, the same baseline parameters were measured in the same sample population of children to verify growth trends in order to detect any significant changes in the parameters being studied. Results: A significant difference was detected between the sexes in terms of fat mass (FM), with a significantly higher value for girls (p = 0.049). The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity for Albanian children (7–15 years) was quite a bit lower than the references; on the contrary, overweight was higher for boys and girls aged 9 years. Frequency for overweight or obese increased with age. In the follow-up, there was a significant increase in weight, height and BMI, lean mass, total body water, and fat mass in both sexes. Body cell mass index did not change in males. Significant height increases were detected in both sexes for all age groups, except for children aged 11 and 13. The most significant changes were observed for 11-year-old females, while for males, the findings appear to be homogeneous across all ages, which is consistent with the typical phases of male development. Conclusions: An important percentage of Albanian children are at risk of being overweight or obese, which requires more attention because the development of obesity results in different types of diseases associated with changes in body composition. Improvements in healthcare and efforts in nutrition education are needed to prevent the transition to obesity and chronic diseases.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the food intake, physical activity, and risk of cardiovascular diseases among young adult Albanians, considering their nutritional status and lifestyle. As Albania undergoes a transition from a rural to a more westernized society, changes in lifestyle and dietary habits have been observed, leading to an increase in overweight and obesity among adults. Materials and Methods: The study included 120 young adult Albanians (65 males, 55 females) aged 18–27. Body composition, blood pressure, anthropometry, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured. A standardized questionnaire on food frequency and physical activity was administered. Results and Findings: The results indicated that males tended to have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to females. Significant differences were observed in blood pressure levels based on fat mass, waist, and hip circumferences. Obese individuals exhibited higher blood pressure, engaged in less physical activity, and had less healthy eating habits. Moreover, a significant proportion of participants reported irregular meal patterns and inadequate breakfast consumption. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for interventions targeting proper nutrition and physical activity in young Albanians to mitigate the increasing risk of overweight/obesity and cardiovascular diseases. This study contributes to understanding the nutritional habits and associated health risks in a young adult population undergoing socio-economic changes.

Background & aims: The bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) represents a qualitative analysis of body composition. The vector, defined by resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) standardized by stature, can be evaluated compared to the 50%,75%, and 95% tolerance ellipses representative of the reference populations. The tolerance ellipses for healthy adults have been provided in 1995 and were developed by mixing underage, adult, and elderly subjects, possibly misrepresenting the actual adult population. The current multicentric, cross-sectional study aimed to provide new tolerance ellipses specific for the general adult population and as a secondary aim to present centile curves for the bioelectrical phase angle. Methods: R, Xc, and phase angle were measured in 2137 and 2230 males and females using phase-sensitive foot-to-hand analyzers at 50 kHz. A minimum of 35 subjects were included for each sex and age category from 18 to 65 years. Results: The new mean vectors showed a leftward shift on the R-Xc graph with respect to the former reference values (males: F = 75.3; p < 0.001; females: F = 36.6, p < 0.001). The results provided new 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, and 97th percentile curves for phase angle, identifying time point phases of decrement (males:-0.03 degrees per year at 33.0-51.0 years and-0.05 degrees per year after 51 years; females:-0.03 degrees per year from 37.2 to 57.9 years). Conclusions: Compared to the original references, the new data are characterized by a different distribution within the R-Xc graph with a higher phase angle. Thirty years after the BIVA invention, the current study presents new tolerance ellipses and phase angle reference values for the adult population. (c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

The present study aimed to develop reference values for bioelectrical phase angle in male and female athletes from different sports. Overall, 2224 subjects participated in this study [1658 males (age 26.2 ± 8.9 y) and 566 females (age 26.9 ± 6.6 y)]. Participants were categorized by their sport discipline and sorted into three different sport modalities: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. Phase angle was directly measured using a foot-to-hand bioimpedance technology at a 50 kHz frequency during the in-season period. Reference percentiles (5th, 15th, 50th, 85th, and 95th) were calculated and stratified by sex, sport discipline and modality using an empirical Bayesian analysis. This method allows for the sharing of information between different groups, creating reference percentiles, even for sports disciplines with few observations. Phase angle differed (men: p < 0.001; women: p = 0.003) among the three sport modalities, where endurance athletes showed a lower value than the other groups (men: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.010, 95% CI = −0.43 to −0.04; vs. team sports: p < 0.001, 95% CI = −0.48 to −0.02; women: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.002, 95% CI = −0.59 to −0.10; vs. team sports: p = 0.015, 95% CI = −0.52 to −0.04). Male athletes showed a higher phase angle than female athletes within each sport modality (endurance: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.14; velocity/power: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.07; team sports: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.23). We derived phase angle reference percentiles for endurance, velocity/power, and team sports athletes. Additionally, we calculated sex-specific references for a total of 22 and 19 sport disciplines for male and female athletes, respectively. This study provides sex- and sport-specific percentiles for phase angle that can track body composition and performance-related parameters in athletes.

Bioimpedance standards are well established for the normal healthy population and in clinical settings, but they are not available for many sports categories. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for male and female athletes using classic bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA). In this study, 1556 athletes engaged in different sports were evaluated during their off-season period. A tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to determine measurements of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). The classic BIVA procedure, which corrects bioelectrical values for body height, was applied, and fat-free mass, fat mass, and total body water were estimated. In order to verify the need for specific references, classic bioelectrical values were compared to the reference values for the general male and female populations. Additionally, athletes were divided into three groups: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. In comparison with the general healthy male and female populations, the mean vectors of the athletes showed a shift to the left on the R-Xc graph. Considering the same set of modalities, BIVA confidence graphs showed that male and female endurance athletes presented lower body fluids, fat mass, and fat-free mass than other sets of modalities. This study provides BIVA reference values for an athletic population that can be used as a standard for assessing body composition in male and female athletes.

OBJECTIVE:Understanding the body composition (BC) of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) could help to delay disease progression and improve treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess BC parameters, including bone mineral density (BMD), and to find new biomarkers that can be early indicators for weight loss in patients with HD. METHODS:Twenty-one age- and sex-matched patients with HD and 29 healthy controls (CT) were enrolled. For each patient, body weight (BW), height, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. BC and BMD were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Subsamples were created according to sex and percent fat mass (FM) (obese and nonobese). All analyses were carried out using SPSS version 23. RESULTS:In all comparisons, BMD and T-score were lower in the HD group, but were not correlated with lean body mass (LBM) or FM. In the HD group, LBM and truncal fat were mostly reduced, except in women with HD whose BC appeared to be less affected by the disease than men. Furthermore, LBM (r = 0.80) and truncal fat (r = 0.68) were better correlated with BW than BMI (r = 0.56). CONCLUSION:Complete BC assessment can be crucial for preventive interventions and prognosis definition in patients with HD. New biomarkers such as BMD, LBM, and truncal fat can be early indicators of weight loss in patients with HD.

Background: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an inexpensive, non-invasive and fast method to assess body composition. Little is known of the interaction between anti IL 12/23 treatment and body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate 6- and 12-month changes in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition assessed by BIA in psoriatic patients treated with anti-IL-12/23.Research design and methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected for each enrolled patient. Physical examination, anthropometric assessment, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) assessment and body composition by BIA (single-frequency 50 kHz), were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of treatment.Results: A significant decrease in body weight, compared to baseline, in BMI, Fat Mass at month 6 and a significant increase at month 12 for body cellular mass (BCM) and Phase Angle (PhA) were observed. In addition, a significant increase was found for intracellular water.Conclusion: At baseline, psoriatic patients showed a lower BCM and a lower mean PhA score. During ustekinumab treatment, the mean PhA and BCM scores increased with an improvement in psoriatic disease. Thus, ustekinumab can be an effective drug for improving not only psoriasis but also the general clinical status of patients.

BACKGROUND:Elite water polo athletes undergo heavy training programs throughout the year, but especially to prepare major competitions, such as the Olympic Games (OG). Optimal athletic performance is a result of many factors, including proper management of the intensity and volume of training, nutrition and recovery between training sessions. When training is excessive in relation to recovery may occur nonfunctional overreaching (NFO). NFO can degenerate into overtraining syndrome resulting in a decrease in athletic performance, with likely changes in body weight and body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body composition and the tolerance to intense training supported by diet meal plans and to highlight any difference between athletes selected for the OG and not selected ones.METHODS:Twenty-one male elite water polo athletes, 26 to 34 years of age, participated in the study. For three months before the Olympics, athletes have carried out an intense training period based on a detailed program. Only 13 athletes participated to OG (OA), 8 were excluded (NOA). Body weight and height were measured and Body Mass Index was calculated. BC and phase angle was evaluated at the half of first (T0), second (T1), and third (T2) month of training. Also blood analyses were collected at T0 and food intake assessed in all the evaluations. Measurements were carried out at three selected time points throughout the training period (12 weeks), which marked variations in the volume and intensity of the training load.RESULTS:Data analyses showed no statistical difference among the three measurements performed for body weight, body composition and phase angle in all OA group. Furthermore, there was not statistically significant differences between the OA and NOA group for weight, body mass index, body composition and phase angle.CONCLUSIONS:Results of the present study encourage the use of body composition by bioelectrical impedance monitoring system for high-level athletes involved in long and intense training periods to prevent body dehydration and overtraining syndrome. Body cell mass monitoring provides a valuable help to evaluate the effects of training and to prevent any decrease in the performance level.

Objectives: To assess and correlate changes in body composition and haemodynamic function during pregnancy. To identify different haemodynamic profiles based on the onset of hypertensive diseases such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Methods: We enrolled 265 healthy, normotensive pregnant women throughout pregnancy (from 6 + 0 to 36 + 0 weeks). They were subjected to assessment of body composition and haemodynamic function using non-invasive methods. We divided our population in three groups: group A with physiological pregnancy, group B with gestational hypertension and group C with preeclamptic patients. Results: In patients who developed gestational hypertension we found lower total body water (TBW) percentage, higher Fat Mass (FM), associated with lower Cardiac Output (CO) and higher Total Vascular Resistance (TVR) during the second trimester. In the third trimester we didn't find haemodynamic differences, but a significative increase in extracellular water (ECW) percentage. In patients who developed preeclampsia we found since the first trimester significative higher TVR and hypodynamic circulation, associated with lower FM percentage. Conclusions: Assessment of body composition and maternal cardiac function may help to identify earlier in pregnancy, patients with different (mal) adaptations to pregnancy. Women with high TVR, hypodynamic circulation and low fat mass during the first trimester, might be at higher risk to develop preeclampsia. Patients with higher BMI and FM percentage, and increased TVR in the second trimester, might be at risk of gestational hypertension and excessive fluid retention at the end of pregnancy. (C) 2017 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo test if maternal hemodynamics and bioimpedance, assessed at the time of combined screening for PE, are able to identify in the first trimester of gestation normotensive non‐obese patients at risk for pre‐eclampsia (PE) and/or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).MethodsOne hundred and fifty healthy nulliparous non‐obese women (body mass index < 30 kg/m2) in the first trimester of pregnancy underwent assessment by UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) to detect hemodynamic parameters, bioimpedance analysis to characterize body composition, and combined screening for PE (assessment of maternal history, biophysical and maternal biochemical markers). Patients were followed until term, noting the appearance of PE and/or IUGR.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐eight patients had an uneventful pregnancy (controls), while 12 (8%) developed complications (cases). USCOM showed, in cases compared with controls, lower cardiac output (5.6 ± 0.3 vs 6.7 ± 1.1 L/min, P < 0.001), lower inotropy index (1.54 ± 0.38 vs 1.91 ± 0.32 W/m2, P < 0.001) and higher total vascular resistance (1279.8 ± 166.4 vs 1061.4 ± 179.5 dynes × s/cm5, P < 0.001). Bioimpedance analysis showed, in cases compared with controls, lower total body water (53.7 ± 3.3% vs 57.2 ± 5.6%, P = 0.037). Combined screening was positive for PE in 8% of the controls and in 50% of the cases (P < 0.001). After identification of cut‐off values for USCOM and bioimpedance parameters, forward multivariate logistic regression analysis identified as independent predictors of complications in pregnancy the inotropy index (derived by USCOM), fat mass (derived from bioimpedance analysis) and combined screening.ConclusionsCombined screening for PE and assessment of bioimpedance and maternal hemodynamics can be used to identify early markers of impaired cardiovascular adaptation and body composition that may lead to complications in the third trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

To assess and correlate changes in body composition and hemodynamic function of healthy normotensive pregnant women. To identify different populations based on total vascular resistance (TVR) values. We enrolled 235 patients that were subjected to bioimpedance and hemodynamic assessment using the USCOM system. We found an increase of BMI resulting as an increase of all its components, particularly fat mass (FM), and a change in water distribution: extracellular water (ECW) percentage increases while intracellular water (ICW) decreases (see table1). As regard hemodynamics, we observed an increase in cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR) during all trimesters and a decrease in TVR. We divided patients in two groups according to TVR values: we found a significative lower TBW in patients with TVR>1200 dynes.sec.cm−5 during the II trimester of pregnancy (see figure 1). During pregnancy, maternal body composition and heamodynamics undergo important changes. Assessment of BMI is unable to disentangle the components of weight gain. TBW is strictly related with plasma volume expansion and has a primary importance for cardiac function enhancement. Assessment of TBW and TVR may identify patients with different adaptation to pregnancy: women with high TVR and insufficient plasma volume expansion. Supporting information can be found in the online version of this abstract Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Introduction: Several studies have demonstrated the correlation between maternal obesity and pregnancy complications. Obese women seem to be at higher risk to develop late preeclampsia, which shows a more favorable perinatal outcome compared to the early form. The assessment of total vascular resistance (TVR) could play an additional role in the detection of these patients.Targets: To identify patients at higher risk of hypertensive complications through the assessment of pre-pregnancy maternal fat mass (FM) and TVR.Results: Patients were divided into two groups in the first trimester: group A with low TVR and group B with high TVR. Cardiac output, stroke volume and TVR were statistically different at preconceptional visit and during the first trimester. FM was the only bioimpedance parameter to be found significantly different, higher in group A (Table 1).In group A, it is possible to identify a subgroup with higher FM that could be at high risk of late preeclampsia difficultly recognizable throughout TVR and BMI (Figure 1).G2. Low pregestational fat mass and subsequent maternal cardiovascular maladaptation in early pregnancy. The missing link for preeclampsiaAll authorsD. Lo Presti, G. Gagliardi, G. M. Tiralongo, I. Pisani, D. Farsetti, R. L. Scala, G. P. Novelli, B. Vasapollo, A. Andreoli & H. Valensisehttps://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2016.1234792Published online:29 September 2016Figure 1. Correlation between FM/TVR.Figure 1. Correlation between FM/TVR.On the other side, a too low FM might negatively influence maternal adaptation to pregnancy.Conclusions: FM could represent a better marker of body composition and a target to monitor the effectiveness of dietary changes improving maternal and neonatal outcome.