Energy and macronutrient intakes in Jordan: a population study.

Jordan has never conducted a nutrition survey to determine nutrient and energy intakes. The current study aimed to describe the energy and macronutrient consumed by the Jordanian population. A cross-sectional food consumption study was conducted, including a sample of Jordanians using two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (24-h DR) between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 2145 males and females aged 8 to 85 years old living in households were studied. The average of two 24-h DRs for each individual was converted into energy and nutrient intakes. After measuring weight, height, and waist circumference, the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The percentage of under-reporters was higher in women than men (58.2% vs. 45.9%). Adults and older adult women had the highest prevalence of obesity (29.6%), while adults and older adult men had the highest prevalence of overweight (41.4%). There is a significant increase in energy intake in children, boys, and all adults, compared to the recommended calories. The mean energy percentage (E %) of total fat was 38%, exceeding the upper limit of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). At the same time, the mean daily dietary fiber intake fell below the recommended levels (ranging from 13.5 g in children to 19.5 g in older adults). The study population consumes more fat and less fiber than the recommended levels. Actions must be taken across all age groups to correct the deviation of energy and macronutrient intakes from the recommended dietary allowances.

Jordan's Population-Based Food Consumption Survey: Protocol for Design and Development.

BACKGROUND: One of the factors influencing health and well-being is dietary patterns. Data on food consumption are necessary for evaluating and developing community nutrition policies. Few studies on Jordanians' food consumption and dietary habits at various ages have been conducted, despite the increased prevalence of overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases. This will be the first study focusing on Jordanians' food consumption patterns that includes children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aims to describe the design and methodology of the Jordan's Population-based Food Consumption Survey, 2021-2022, which was developed to collect data on food consumption, including energy, nutrients, and food group intake, from a representative sample of Jordanians and to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their relationship to food consumption. METHODS: Participants were selected by stratified random sampling, using the Estimated Population of the Kingdom by Governorate, Locality, Sex, and Households, 2020 as the sampling frame. The food consumption survey sample was at the population level, representing gender and age classes (8-85 years old). The data collection period was 6 months. Food consumption was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall (2 nonconsecutive days, 1 week apart) interviews representing weekdays and weekends. In addition to data on food consumption, information on the use of food supplements, sociodemographic and socioeconomic status, and health was gathered. Weight, height, and waist circumference were all measured. RESULTS: The survey included 632 households with 2145 participants, of which 243 (11.3%) were children, 374 (17.4%) were adolescents, 1428 (66.6%) were adults, and 99 (4.6%) were older adults. Three food consumption databases were used to stratify the mean 24-hour dietary recall food consumption into energy intake, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and food groups. BMI was calculated and classified as normal, overweight, or obese. Central obesity was classified as normal or abnormal based on the waist-to-height ratio. The survey results will be disseminated based on age, energy, nutrient, and food group consumption. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by age group will be presented, as well as a comparison to the situation in Eastern Mediterranean countries. CONCLUSIONS: The survey data will be helpful in nutritional studies, assessing changes in dietary patterns, and developing and evaluating nutrition or health policies. It will be a solid base for developing a future national surveillance system on food consumption patterns with comprehensive food consumption, physical activity, biochemical, and blood pressure data. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41636.

Effectiveness of dietary intervention for obese women in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the outcome of body weight loss consulting in an outpatient nutrition clinic. METHODS: Forty-five adult females attended 10 individualized treatment one-to-one sessions. Weight and height were measured and the body mass index was calculated. Triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thickness were measured and the fat percentage was calculated. A hypocaloric diet was given to the women; the percentages of carbohydrate, protein and fat in the diet were kept between 50 and 55% for carbohydrates, between 15 and 20% for protein, and < or =30% of fat. RESULTS: Average weight loss was 7.4 kg, which was 8.4% of initial. Class III obese subjects achieved the highest weight loss (-9.4 kg). Weight loss was statistically significant after week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 (P < 0.001). The body mass index was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). The mean fat percentage was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the increasing importance of nutrition counselling in Jordan.

Prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use among Jordan University students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, reasons, source of information of vitamin-mineral supplement uses, and their relationship with selected demographic and lifestyle characteristics among Jordan University students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at Jordan University, Amman, Jordan from March to September 2005. The survey included 1,187 students aged 17-28 years. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to recruit the participants from different majors at Jordan University. A self-administered questionnaire containing questions on use of vitamin-mineral supplement during the last year, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics was completed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use during the last year reported by students was 27.4% (males 22%, and females 30.2%). Vitamin-mineral supplement use among university students was significantly (p<0.05) associated with age, gender, family monthly income, smoking status, physical activity, vegetarian status, and body mass index. The most frequently used supplements were multivitamins (10.4%) and multivitamins-multi minerals (10%). The most frequently given reason for supplement use was for treatment. The main frequently reported source of information was a physician (45.8%). CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence rate of vitamin-mineral supplement use is very low. Supplement users are more likely to be: females, nonsmokers, of higher income, physically active, vegetarians, and of normal body mass index. The main reason for supplement use is for treatment, and the major source of information on supplements is by physicians and pharmacists.

Estimated risk of coronary heart disease in obese adult males in Northern Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between obesity, lipid profile and blood pressure, and to quantify the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) for the next 10 years, using the Framingham risk scoring scheme among Jordanian adult males. METHODS: We conducted this study in Al-Sarieh, Jordan during the period March to May 2001. A total of 306 apparently healthy adult males, aged 30-50 years completed all the study procedures. We selected the participants using a multi-stage cluster sampling design. Dietary history and smoking habits were obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire and interview. Blood samples were obtained and examined for lipid profiles. We measured the blood pressures, as well as the weight and height to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The sample was categorized into 3 groups using the World Health Organization classifications for BMI. The risk of CHD was calculated using a scoring scale according to Framingham scheme. Analyses of data were carried out using the Chi-square test, and the Analysis of Variance. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 39 years with a mean BMI of 28.2 kg/m2. The percentage of current smokers was 44.1%. The mean of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, increased significantly with increasing BMI categories, whereas the mean of high density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with increasing BMI categories. Prevalence of medium and high risk of CHD significantly increased as BMI categories increases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of estimated CHD risk for the next 10 years in moderate and high CHD categories increases as the BMI categories increases among Jordanian adult men in Al-Sarieh area.