Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult jordanians aged 25 years and over

Abstract AR

Objectives : to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult Jordanians aged 25 years and over and to examine possible associations with sociodemographic characteristics of the population under study.

Methods : a cross-sectional, community- based national household survey involving 2435 healthy adult individuals aged 25 years or over.

Height, weight and body mass index were measured.

Result: Mean height and weight for males were 168 cm and 75.4 kg and for females were 156 cm and 69.5 kg.

Mean body mass index by gender was 27.2 kg/m2 for males and 28.5 kg/m2 for females.

Prevalence of overweight was found to be 37.4% of the population under study (43% of males and 32.9% of females).

Prevalence of obesity was 30.5% (21.7% of males and 37.6% of females).

Overweight in general and obesity in particular were significantly associated with female gender, increasing age and urban residence.

Educational level was inversely related to the prevalence of overweight/ obesity.

Level of income did not show any relationship to the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Conclusion : Although the body mass index optimal for health has not been clearly defined, it appears that overweight and obesity are definite health problems in Jordan.

This study provides baseline data for further research to evaluate trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and related health conditions.