Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of Hiperdia program educational activities on nutritional status (NS) and food consumption of elderly participants. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional study, carried out with 50 elderly people from the Hiperdia groups in a municipality in the forest area of Pernambuco. The elderly were divided into two groups: Group A, with biweekly activities carried out for a fixed audience, and Group B, with monthly activities and a rotating audience. Body mass index and waist, arm and calf circumferences were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: No differences were found in the NS between the groups evaluated. However, in relation to food consumption, there was a higher consumption of vegetables, legumes and chicken in group A. Group B showed a higher consumption of red meat and butter/margarine, which suggests a higher consumption of fats in this group. Conclusion: it was concluded that group A had a higher intake of vegetables, legumes and chicken and less consumption of fats. Thus, it is suggested that educational activities, when carried out on a regular basis, favor the improvement in food consumption of the elderly.