ALIMENTARY CONSUMPTION OF ACTIVE AND PHYSICALLY INACTIVE WOMEN IN POSTMENOPAUSAL PERIOD

The aim of this study was to observe the dietary intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in physically active and inactive women in the post-menopause. The sample was composed of 83 women, from the municipality of Natal ( Rio Grande do Norte) in Brazil; from the "Natal Active" program, with an average age of 59.7 +/- 8.08 years old. A questionnaire to analyze the frequency of food consumption, physical activity questionnaire, a clinical anamnesis, anthropometric evaluation, biochemical tests and a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was applied. The results showed that active women consume more protective foods than inactive women. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in inactive women was higher than in active women, in addition, there is a need to change those habits in this population, being able thus to achieve greater physical and metabolic changes, minimizing the incidence of metabolic syndrome in both groups.