Association of Lifestyle Factors with Obesity Indices among Adolescents in Amman, Jordan

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between physical activity level, sedentary behaviour and eating habits with obesity indices of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)) among Jordanian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the capital city of Jordan, Amman. The participants were 735 secondary school males (386) and females (349) aged 14-18 years who were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference (WC), WHtR, screen time, physical activity level, and eating habits were assessed. Results: Compared with males, females were significantly (p<0.05) less physically active, skipped breakfast more frequently, consumed more sweets and potato chips and had less fruits and milk intake. The results of analysis of covariance showed that overweight and obesity (based on BMI or WHtR categories) were significantly (p< 0.05) different with regard to gender, type of school, lower intakes (<3 d/week) of breakfast, milk and sugar sweetened drinks. Conclusion: Knowledge of the factors that contribute to obesity could be used in preventive programmes for the control of obesity among adolescents in Jordan. Promotion of physical activity and healthy dietary habits among Jordanian adolescents is urgently needed.