2.4. Data Collection
During enrollment, data about the socio-demographic, lifestyle, and medical history aspects of the subjects were collected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long Form (IPAQ-LF) was used to collect information on PA [Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was used to indirectly determine body composition by measuring the impedance, given by resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). Bioelectrical impedance was measured with a phase-sensitive touch-screen impedance device (Nutrilab™, Akern, Florence, Italy), working with alternating sinusoidal electric current of 245 microampere at an operating frequency of 50 kHz (±1%).All subjects were asked to remain in a supine position with a leg opening of 45° compared with the median line of the body and the upper limbs positioned 30° away from the trunk. After cleansing the skin, two electrodes were placed on the back of the right hand and two electrodes on the corresponding foot, with a distance of 5 cm between them. The electrodes were Ag/AgCl low-impedance electrodes (Biatrodes, Akern Srl, Florence, Italy). As fluid distribution disturbances may occur, subjects were advised to abstain from food and drink for >2 h before the test. After overnight fasting, blood samples were drawn in tubes containing anticoagulant ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (K-EDTA). Measurements were taken three times during the study (at baseline, after 45 days, and after 90 days) and performed using standard methods.