Relação entre hábitos alimentares e estado nutricional de idosos

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relationship between the eating habits of the elderly and their nutritional status. METHODS: Data on food consumption and nutritional status of 60 elderly people attended at a referral center were analyzed through anthropometric evaluation, and food consumption was assessed by means of a twenty-four hour recall (R24h). For the anthropometric evaluation, the circumference of the arm (CB), calf circumference (CP), waist circumference (CC), and weight and height were measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 40%, with a higher incidence in females. The elderly with overweight had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus and hypertension with 33.33% and 56.67% of the cases, respectively. In these elderly people, it was observed low consumption of fruits, vegetables and vegetables and high consumption of fats and simple sugars. CONCLUSIONS: I concluded that the high consumption of fats and sugars as well as low consumption of fruits vegetables and vegetables probably contributed to a high prevalence of overweight among the elderly. It is suggested that public policies be directed to this public to guide healthy eating in the elderly.