ASPECTOS NUTRICIONAIS DE IDOSOS PRATICANTES DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA

Abstract

This study aimed to assess nutritional status by collecting data onanthropometrics and dietary patterns of physically active elderlyin a countryside town in São Paulo state. Thirty-one elderlypeople participated: 22 women and nine men. The variablesrelated to body composition were: BMI, current and idealweight, adequacy of mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), fatpercentage, waist circumference and calf circumference. Dietarypattern was analyzed for intake of water, energy, calcium andfiber, as well as adequacy of macronutrients. The mean valuesfor BMI, current weight, MAMC and calf circumference showedno statistical difference from the standard deemed appropriateby the literature for both sexes. The mean value for women’s fatpercentage (38.76% ± 4.07%) and the amount corresponding towomen’s waist circumference (87.36 ± 9.84) were higher thanthe value considered as adequate. Mean energy intake for bothsexes was lower than recommended, with statistical significance(p < 0.0001). Despite the deficient calorie intake, the adequacyof macronutrients was shown to be within the standard. Theintake of water, calcium and fibers for both sexes was lower thanthat in the literature with appropriate statistical significance (p= 0.0001). The results suggest that the correction of eating habitsand the prescription of physical activity in appropriate intensityfor this population are of paramount importance to improve thenutritional status and thus avoid the incidence of future problems. DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2015.14793

Keywords

• estado nutricional
• antropometria
• qualidade de vida
• alimentação
• idosos ativos fisicamente.