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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
Food consumption and adherence to dietary guidelines among Jordanian children and adolescents
Buthaina Alkhatib1, Huda Al Hourani1, Islam K Al-Shami1
1Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
Background:
Early-life food consumption patterns may affect children's health by increasing susceptibility to developing non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in adulthood.
Aims:
To evaluate Jordanian children and adolescents' energy and macronutrient intake and how closely they adhere to dietary recommendations.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from Jordan's Population-based Food Consumption Survey, a household population-based study conducted in Jordan between 2021 and 2022 (561 children and adolescents 8-19 years). Dietary intake was assessed using the two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recall methods (24-h DR). The estimated food group and nutrient intakes were compared to nutritional recommendations, including MyPlate dietary guidelines.
Results:
The prevalence of overweight/obese individuals based on body mass index (BMI) was 44%, and the average waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was 24.7%. Compared to MyPlate dietary guidelines, children and adolescents had a higher added sugar intake (57g/day). Also, consuming vegetables, fruits, and dairy fell short of MyPlate dietary guidelines. The total discretionary calorie intake in children and adolescents was approximately one-third of the total energy intake.
Conclusion:
The food consumption of Jordanian children and adolescents includes high intakes of discretionary calories, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was elevated compared to international norms.
