Atividade física habitual em mulheres na pós-menopausa : associações com fatores dietéticos, composição corporal, variáveis metabólicas e hormonais e fatores de risco cardiovascular

Abstract

Regular physical activity and a healthful diet are important influences on health. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the influence of habitual physical activity on diet preferences. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. One hundred and five women (mean age: 55.2±4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and habitual physical activity with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (5 999 steps daily) or physically active (≥ 6 000 steps daily). A negative correlation was observed between steps/day and percent body fat (r = - 0.470; P<0.001), waist circumference (r = - 0.356; P<0.001) and body mass index (r = - 0.286; P=0.003). Compared to the inactive group, active participants had lower diastolic blood pressure (P=0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) (P=0.011), fasting glucose (P=0.003), fasting insulin (P=0.019) and homeostasis model assessment index (P=0.017), and higher intake of protein, total fat, cholesterol, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, meats, eggs, and whole-fat dairy foods. After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity, high blood pressure, us-CRP, and percent body fat. In conclusion, both habitual physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed towards a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.