• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
Loading data – please wait …

Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-69
Sample size:5713
Area covered:National
References:Jordan National Stepwise Survey (STEPs) for Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors 2019. https://www.moh.gov.jo/Echobusv3.0/SystemAssets/1dd8ffcb-c9b3-41ed-ba61-16d99670b735.pdf
Notes:The STEPS 2019, is particularly unique because, in addition to Jordanians, it also involved the Syrian Refugee population residing in Jordan. The STEPS survey population included Jordanian and Syrian adults from both genders, aged (18-69 years old), residing in Jordan. The Jordanian sample was captured from all the 12 governorates of Jordan to enhance the geographical representation of the sample. Whereas, the Syrian refugees sample included those residing in four governorates, namely Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Mafraq, where the majority of the Syrian refugee population exists, and only those residing outside refugee camps. Sample size: 2803 adult Syrians and 2910 Jordanian adults.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:10,787
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/DOS and ICF. 2019. Jordan Population and Family and Health Survey 2017-18. Amman, Jordan, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: DOS and ICF. Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR346-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm [Accessed 27 March 2019].
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:18-90
Sample size:4056
Area covered:National
References:Ajlouni, K., Khader, Y., Alyousfi, M., Al Nsour, M., Batieha, A., & Jaddou, H. (2020). Metabolic syndrome amongst adults in Jordan: prevalence, trend, and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. Diabetology & metabolic syndrome, 12(1), 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-020-00610-7
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:10312
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2009

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:6666
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics [Jordan] and ICF Macro. 2010. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2009. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and ICF Macro.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:7759
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics [Jordan] and Macro International. 2008. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007: Key Findings. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics and Macro International.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:1939
Area covered:National
References:Jordan STEPS Survey 2007
Notes:Small sample size
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2002

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:7681
References:WHO Infobase, Macro international data
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1994-1996

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
Sample size:2836
Area covered:Subnational
References:Ajlouni K, Jaddou H and Batieha A. (1998). Obesity in Jordan. International Journal of Obesity, 22: 624 - 628.
Notes:Data is available for those living with obesity only.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-12
Sample size:1163
Area covered:National
References:Recommended Citation: Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WFP, Jordan Health Aid Society International, Department of Statistics, Biolab, GroundWork. Jordan, National Micronutrient and Nutritional Survey 2019. Amman, Jordan; 2021.
Notes:Settled Jordanian population only. Small male and female sample size.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2015-2016

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-17
Sample size:2702
Area covered:National
References:Zayed, A.A, Beano, A.M, Haddadin, F.I, Radwan, S.S, Allauzy, S.A, Alkhayyat, M.M, Al-Dahabrah, Z.A, Al-Hasan, Y.G, and Yousef, A.F. 2016. Prevalence of short stature, underweight, overweight, and obesity among school children in Jordan. BMC Public Health. 16:1040. DOI 10.1186/s12889-016-3687-4.
Notes:85th and 95th centile cut-offs used, Note: Data for 15-18 year-olds available: Musaiger et al. 2016. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in eight Arab countries: comparison between two international standards (ARABEAT-2). Nutrición Hospitalaria. 33(5). pp.1062-1065 NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)'
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2010-2011

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-18
Sample size:937
Area covered:Regional (Amman)
References:Musaiger AO, Al-Mannai M, Tayyem R, Al-Lalla O, Ali EY, Kalam F, Benhamed MM, Saghir S, Halahleh I, Djoudi Z, Chirane M.Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents in Seven Arab Countries: A Cross-Cultural Study. J Obes. 2012;2012:981390. doi: 10.1155/2012/981390. Epub 2012 Sep 18.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2007

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-15
Sample size:2197
Area covered:National
References:Global School-based Student Health Survey, Fact Sheet available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/gshs_fs_jordan_2007.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 25.11.20)
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2004

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-15
Sample size:2457
Area covered:National
References:Global School-based Student Health Survey, Fact Sheet available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/gshs_fs_jordan_2004.pdf?ua=1 (last access 25.11.20)
Cutoffs:WHO

Overweight/obesity by education

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:10,787
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/DOS and ICF. 2019. Jordan Population and Family and Health Survey 2017-18. Amman, Jordan, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: DOS and ICF. Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR346-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm [Accessed 27 March 2019].
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:11123
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:5713
Area covered:National
References:Jordan National Stepwise Survey (STEPs) for Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors 2019. https://www.moh.gov.jo/Echobusv3.0/SystemAssets/1dd8ffcb-c9b3-41ed-ba61-16d99670b735.pdf
Notes:The STEPS 2019, is particularly unique because, in addition to Jordanians, it also involved the Syrian Refugee population residing in Jordan. The STEPS survey population included Jordanian and Syrian adults from both genders, aged (18-69 years old), residing in Jordan. The Jordanian sample was captured from all the 12 governorates of Jordan to enhance the geographical representation of the sample. Whereas, the Syrian refugees sample included those residing in four governorates, namely Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Mafraq, where the majority of the Syrian refugee population exists, and only those residing outside refugee camps. Sample size: 2803 adult Syrians and 2910 Jordanian adults.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:10,787
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/DOS and ICF. 2019. Jordan Population and Family and Health Survey 2017-18. Amman, Jordan, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: DOS and ICF.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2006

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2131
Area covered:Governorate of Irbid
References:Overweight and obesity among school children in Jordan: prevalence and associated factors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18496747/ (last accessed 06.06.2022)
Cutoffs:Cole et al. international cut-off points of body mass index for boys and girls between 2 and 18 years of age

Overweight/obesity by region

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:10,787
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:11123
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:13-16
Sample size:1355
Area covered:Irbid (North West Jordan)
References:Abu Baker NN, Daradkeh SM. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Irbid governorate, Jordan. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) 2010: Vol. 16, No. 6.
Notes:Overweight and obesity were categorized according to age–sex specific percentiles of BMI using the Centers for Disease Control BMI-forage growth charts [7]: underweight (BMI < 5th percentile); normal weight (BMI 5th–< 85th percentile), overweight (BMI 85th–< 95th percentile) or obesity(BMI ≥ 95th percentile). Low income ≤ 200 Jordanian dinars (JD) per month; medium income 201–600 JD per month; high income ≥ 600 JD per month.
Cutoffs:CDC

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Women, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:10,787
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/DOS and ICF. 2019. Jordan Population and Family and Health Survey 2017-18. Amman, Jordan, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: DOS and ICF.. Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR346-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm [Accessed 27 March 2019].
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2012

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:11123
Area covered:National
References:Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International. 2013. Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Department of Statistics/Jordan and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:13-16
Sample size:1355
Area covered:Irbid (North West Jordan)
References:Abu Baker NN, Daradkeh SM. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Irbid governorate, Jordan. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ) 2010: Vol. 16, No. 6.
Notes:Overweight and obesity were categorized according to age–sex specific percentiles of BMI using the Centers for Disease Control BMI-forage growth charts [7]: underweight (BMI < 5th percentile); normal weight (BMI 5th–< 85th percentile), overweight (BMI 85th–< 95th percentile) or obesity(BMI ≥ 95th percentile). Low income ≤ 200 Jordanian dinars (JD) per month; medium income 201–600 JD per month; high income ≥ 600 JD per month.
Cutoffs:CDC

Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Children, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Children, 2010-2019

Area covered:National
References:Jordan Population and Family and Health Survey 2017-18. Amman, Jordan, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: DOS and ICF
Notes:See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021.
Definitions:% exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2197
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

2023–2030 National Nutrition Strategy

Launched in collaboration with WHO in October 2022. The strategy addresses malnutrition, overweight and obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related non-communicable diseases, as well as to promote healthy diets.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2023-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
References:https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/Jordan-launches-2023-2030-National-Nutrition-Strategy-23569

Mandatory measures to reduce sodium in bread

The percentage of table salt in kamaj (Arabic) bread should not exceed 1%, estimated on the basis of dry weight. The percentage of table salt in other types of bread should not exceed 1.5 percent, estimated on the basis of dry weight.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Linked document:Download linked document
References:http://www.jsmo.gov.jo/En/EServices/Standards/Pages/stdDetails.aspx?mfn=5883 (Accessed 27.01.22)

Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery in Jordan

Categories (partial):Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The Jordanian Society for Obesity Surgery
Linked document:Download linked document

The national strategy and plan of action against diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity in Jordan

The purpose of this document is to adapt the global guidance on NCDs to the prevailing cultural, social, and economic specificities of Jordan.

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2015 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Linked document:Download linked document

12-week school-based weight loss educational intervention

A randomised controlled trial involving an intervention group and a control group. Intervention involved a 12?week educational programme focusing on diet and exercise (including counselling). Following this weight loss any weight loss achieved was assessed.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Salameh et al 2016
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Salameh et al. 2016. Effectiveness of a 12?week school?based educational preventive programme on weight and fasting blood glucose in “at?risk” adolescents of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing practice. 23(3). doi: 10.1111/ijn.12528.

Mandatory standard for food in schools: Food standards in school canteens

In 2012, the Jordanian Ministry of Health set food standards regulating what could be sold to students in school canteens. Prohibited food includes drinks and juices that contain less than 30% fruit juice and confectionery.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/66515

National commitment to action on social determinants of health in Jordan: Addressing obesity

This draft background paper is one of several in a series commissioned by the World Health Organization for the World Conference on Social Determinants of Health, held 19-21 October 2011, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The goal of these papers is to highlight country experiences on implementing action on social determinants of health.

Categories (partial):Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:WHO
Linked document:Download linked document
References:http://www.who.int/sdhconference/resources/draft_background_paper18_jordan.pdf (last accessed 29 Feb 2016)

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Absent
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Unknown
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Absent
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Absent
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Present
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Unknown
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Unknown
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Unknown

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Present

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated October 24, 2022

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

Feedback

Are you finding the information on these pages useful?
Yes
No
N/A

Thank you for feeding back to World Obesity.

If you have any further feedback or suggestions please email us at obesity@worldobesity.org.

Close
Loading