Jordan
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Policies
Loading data – please wait …
National obesity risk *7.5/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *8/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
Download report card
The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Health systems
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: | DHS Jordan 2017/18. 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: | DHS Jordan 2012 |
| 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: | Demgraphic Health & Family Survey 2009 |
| 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: | Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007 |
| 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 available for obese 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, 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. |
| Notes: | IOTF International Reference |
| 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 |
% Adults living with obesity in Jordan 2002-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007 2009: Demgraphic Health & Family Survey 2009 2012: DHS Jordan 2012 2017: DHS Jordan 2017/18. Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR346-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm [Accessed 27 March 2019]. |
| Notes: | Adults aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity in Jordan 2002-2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007 2009: Demgraphic Health & Family Survey 2009 2012: DHS Jordan 2012 2017: DHS Jordan 2017/18. Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR346-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm [Accessed 27 March 2019]. |
| Notes: | Adults aged 15-49 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with obesity in selected countries in the EMRO Region 1984-2017
Men
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: DHS Jordan 2012 2015: DHS Egypt 2015. Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. - See more at: http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| References: | 1984, 1998: Benjelloun S. Nutrition transition in Morocco. Public Health Nutrition. 2002;5(1A):135-140 1991: Al-Lawati JA, Jousilahti PJ. Prevalence and 10year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Med J 2004;25:346-351 1997: Sibai AM, Hwalla N, Adra N, Rahal B. Prevalence and Covariates of Obesity in Lebanon: Findings from the First Epidemiolgical Study. Obesity Research 203;11:1353-1361 2000: Al-Lawati JA and Jousilahti PJ. (2004). Prevalence and 10 year secular trend of obesity in Oman. Saudi Medical Journal 25: 346 - 351. 2002: WHO Infobase, Macro international data 2007: Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2007 2008: Riyami AA, Elaty MAA, Morsi M et al Oman World Health Survey: Part 1 - Methodology, Sociodemographic Profile and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman. Oman Medical Journal 2012; 27(5):425-443 2009: WHO STEPS Report 2009 Lebanon 2011: WHO EMRO Egypt STEPS Survey 2011-12 2012: DHS Jordan 2012 2015: DHS Egypt 2015. Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt, El-Zanaty and Associates/Egypt, and ICF International. 2015. Egypt Health Issues Survey 2015. Cairo, Egypt: Ministry of Health and Population/Egypt and ICF International. - See more at: http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR313-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm#sthash.StgV9s6X.dpuf 2016: Egypt National STEPwise Survey For Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Report 2017 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/steps/Egypt_National_STEPwise_Survey_For_Noncommunicable_Diseases_Risk_Factors_2017_Report.pdf?ua=1 2017: Executive Summary. Oman National Non-Communicable Disease & their Risk Factors Survey 2017 https://mohcsr.gov.om/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Executive-Summary_NCDsurvey2017_En.pdf (last accessed 17.10.19) |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Women, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 10,787 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | DHS Jordan 2017/18. 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: | Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012 |
| 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: | DHS Jordan 2017/18. 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. | |
Overweight/obesity by region
Women, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15-49 |
| Sample size: | 10,787 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | DHS Jordan 2017/18. 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: | Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012 |
| 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: | DHS Jordan 2017/18. 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: | Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2012 |
| Notes: | Prevalence of overweight and obesity based on wealth quintile 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 |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) 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, 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 (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: Upper Middle Income
Health systems summary
Jordan has a mixed healthcare system, made up of a public sector, private sector and an international/charity sector. The health system has been renowned for delivering high-quality care and as a result has been a major health tourism destination in the Middle Eastern region.
Care in the public sector is delivered by the Ministry of Health and the Royal Medical Services. Groups eligible for free insurance in the public sector include those aged 60 and over and 6 and under and those considered impoverished by the Ministry of Social Development. The private sector consists of hospitals and various clinics, but it is considered to be fragmented. A recent census estimated that 70% and 55% of Jordanians and the overall population respectively had health insurance, with 80% of Jordanians having public insurance as opposed to private. There are calls for health insurance to be made mandatory to improve coverage. Out-of-pocket expenditure was estimated to be 28.8% of total health expenditure in 2013.
Jordan’s health system has been challenged by the geopolitical crises in neighbouring Syria and Palestine. Large numbers of refugees have stretched services and has exacerbated the impact of an ageing population and the rise in non-communicable diseases. Several humanitarian agencies support healthcare delivery to many of the displaced people.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | No |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Some progress |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
It is reported that while obesity is accepted as a major health issue in Jordan, it is not yet recognised or treated as a disease by the government or health professionals. Specifically, it was noted that insufficient efforts are being made in prevention, treatment and research.
Stakeholders reported that treatment is rarely covered by insurance (there appears to be exceptions for bariatric surgery at a high BMI), and so in practice, obesity treatment in Jordan is mostly paid for out of pocket. This reflects the overall poor financial investment into obesity. Due to the long waiting lists for surgery in the public sector, it is reported that it is commonplace for people to seek treatment privately where there are no waiting lists. Bariatric surgery in the private sector however has been criticised for not using multidisciplinary approaches and for not having clear pathways up to surgery. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, it appears that that the Jordanian population are hesitant to have bariatric surgery - one stakeholder reported that his patients refrain for attending support groups because they are reluctant to admit that they had surgery and would prefer to attribute weight loss to personal efforts.
The Jordanian Society for Obesity Surgery published bariatric surgery guidelines in 2018 for adults and children. These appear to be the only guidelines that exist in Jordan. Stakeholders reported there to be no obesity-specific training, except a sole fellowship available for bariatric surgery.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 4 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
