Percepção da imagem corporal e estado nutricional de idosas praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico

Ageing leads to bodily changes that can exert a negative influence on satisfaction with one’s body. This is especially true for women who do not feel that they fit the stereotypes imposed by society. Therefore, many women seek physical exercise and a healthy diet as a means to alter their physical shape and consequently achieve body satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate dissatisfaction with one’s body image among active and sedentary older women. The sample was composed of 91 older women from the city of Vitoria de Santo Antao, Brazil, divided into two groups: 25 who practiced physical exercise and 66 who did not practice physical exercise. Data collection involved the administration of socio-demographic and socioeconomic questionnaires, an anthropometric evaluation, silhouette scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 13.0. Mean age of the active and sedentary participants was 68.3 and 70.7 years, respectively. The largest portions of the sample were widowed (44% of the active and 42% of the sedentary women) and pertained to the lower social classes (56% of the active and 79% of the sedentary women). Mean weight, height and body mass index were respectively 67.5 Kg, 1.56 m and 27.6 Kg/m² among the active women and 66.9 Kg, 1.55 m and 27.8 Kg/m² among the sedentary women. The majority was classified as overweight (56% of the active and 53% of the sedentary women). Using the Geica silhouette scale, 60% of the women who practiced physical exercise and 50% of those who were sedentary were dissatisfied with their body image. Using the body satisfaction scale proposed by Stunkard et al. (1983), 64% of the active women were dissatisfied due to excess weight and none was dissatisfied due to thinness, whereas 45% of the sedentary women were dissatisfied due to excess weight and 5% were dissatisfied due to thinness. On the BSQ, 92% of the active women and 98% of the sedentary women were satisfied and only a small proportion exhibited mild body concerns. The only statistically significant difference between groups regarding food consumption was the consumption of grains, which the majority of the sedentary women consumed twice a day (58%) and the majority of the active women consumed once a day (68%). The active women consumed meat and eggs two or more times a day (56%), whereas the majority of the sedentary women consumed these items once a day (53%). The sedentary women consumed more sweets than the active women, with a frequency of twice a day (30%). Similar consumption between groups was found for other food groups. The findings demonstrate greater dissatisfaction with their physical shape among the active women, who consequently practice physical exercise and maintain a balanced diet in an effort to achieve a body that is within the established standards of beauty.