Metabolism Study

What is the metabolic study?

The metabolic study is a set of tests that allow the patient to have a detailed analysis of the degree of fat infiltration in the cells of the body, as well as their location. It also serves to calculate the basal metabolism and energy expenditure at rest, according to the level of physical activity, the functioning of the metabolism of the cells and muscle mass of the patient.

At a sporting level it is very useful, as it allows to achieve greater physical performance, which allows the patient to more easily achieve their goals of fat loss, weight reduction or increase in muscle mass, among others.

The specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics will provide the patient with a complete and personalized medical report on his or her state of health, as well as a treatment proposal tailored to his or her individual needs.

What is a metabolic study for?

On the one hand, at a nutritional level it provides the exact values of the nutrients that athletes should consume at rest and during sporting activity. This makes it possible to design a completely personalized diet that allows the patient to know his or her body better and achieve his or her goals.

On the other hand, at the physical level, it provides detailed information on the percentages of fat, muscle mass, etc., comparing the results with the average of the population. In this way, comparative data is available which allows the patient to know their starting point and the real options they have to achieve the goal they have set.

Finally, at the sports level, it provides information on which nutrients are used at any given moment, allowing the design of a sports routine that adapts to the patient’s goals.

How many tests are performed during a metabolic study?

The metabolic study requires the performance of four tests:

1. First, patients conduct an interview with the nutritionist, in which they explain their diet, habits, their goals, etc.
2. Next, the patients are weighed and their measurements are taken and then a body composition study is performed by means of an electrical bioimpedance kinanthropometric test. This test allows the percentage of body fat and lean mass (muscle), hydration levels, BMI (Muscle Mass Index), basal metabolism, etc. to be determined.
3. Then, a study of the metabolic consumption at rest is performed. For this purpose, the gases expired by the patient at rest during a period of 25 minutes are analyzed. With this test, it will be possible to determine the real percentages that the patient burns of carbohydrates, fats and proteins at rest. Thanks to this data, a fully personalized diet can then be designed.
4. Finally, gases are analyzed during exercise (also known as ergo-spirometry). This test is performed on an elliptical bike, where the heart rate is monitored. It lasts approximately ten minutes.

Who is it intended for?

The study of metabolism is aimed at people:

• Over 16 years of age, with no disease restrictions and no maximum age.
• People involved in the knowledge and maintenance of their state of health.
• Who want to start or are making a nutritional plan.
• Who are going to start an aesthetic treatment, since it serves as a diagnosis for professionals.
• Who do not wear pacemakers, metallic prostheses or are pregnant, as it is not recommended.

Preparation for the metabolism study

The aspects that should be taken into account before performing a metabolic study are:

• Women should not be in their menstruation period.
• Do not do any physical exercise on the day of the measurement.
• Do not drink a large amount of water before the tests are performed.
• Avoid consumption of diuretics such as tea, coffee or beer in the days prior to the test.