[Education, income, gender and nutritional status impact adults and elderly people food consumption: a longitudinal...

The study aims to identify the socioeconomic and anthropometric variables that impact food consumption among adults and the elderly in a small Brazilian city over 13 years. This is a longitudinal study (n = 695). To assess food consumption, a food frequency questionnaire was applied, and the data were converted into daily consumption scores, and grouped according to NOVA classification. The changes in consumption (Δ) were calculated based on the difference between the moments M1(final) and M0 (initial). The frequency of consumption was classified as 'reduction' and 'increase' using the Wilcoxon test. To compare the Δ between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, the Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Significant changes in consumption were observed in the NOVA groups, with a reduction in processed and ultra-processed foods (AUP) and an increase in culinary ingredients, influenced by education, income, gender, BMI, and waist circumference. Therefore, it can be concluded that socioeconomic and anthropometric variables impacted food consumption according to the NOVA groups. Thus, public policies in primary health care are essential for promoting healthier eating behaviors.