Obesity in Jordan: prevalence, associated factors, comorbidities, and change in prevalence over ten years

To determine the prevalence of obesity in northern Jordan, identify its associated factors, assess its association with selected comorbidities, and determine how the prevalence of obesity has changed in Jordan over 10 years.

A total of 1121 participants aged 25 years and above were randomly selected. Sociodemographic characteristics as well as information on selected metabolic disorders and their potential risk factors were obtained. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were measured. Obesity was defined based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.

The age-standardized prevalence of obesity in northern Jordan was 28.1% (95% CI: 23.4, 32.8) for men and 53.1% (95% CI: 49.3, 57.0) for women. Irrespective of age or measure used, women always had a considerably higher prevalence of obesity than men. The prevalence of obesity varied greatly with age, generally increasing, irrespective of the measurement used. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity over a period of ten years for both men and women aged 60 years and above only. When important variables were taken into account in logistic regression analyses, obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of having all studied metabolic abnormalities. Female gender, increase in age, being married, former smoker or nonsmoker, and fewer than 12 years of education were significantly associated with increased odds of BMI-defined obesity and high waist circumference.

This study demonstrated alarming rates of obesity and of its associated comorbidities among Jordanians, especially among women.