Publication date: May 21, 2026
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased globally after COVID-19, including in Jordan. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Jordanian adults using multiple anthropometric indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,633 adults aged 18-65 (1,027 males; 1,606 females). Trained nutritionists collected anthropometric and body composition measurements, including body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) using a structured survey. Obesity was calculated using both global and Jordan-specific cut-offs. The prevalence of overweight and obesity varied by indicator, ranging from 41. 7% (WHtR using Jordan-specific cut-offs) to 72. 9% (body fat percentage). BMI-defined obesity affected 70-73% of both sexes. Central obesity was more prevalent in females (46. 9-73. 2%) compared to males (38. 8-65. 3%). Females had significantly higher odds of central obesity (OR = 2. 23-2. 48), whereas males showed higher odds when obesity was assessed using WHR, WHtR, and body-fat measures. Trends from 2009 to 2024 indicate persistently high prevalence rates, with slight declines in BMI- and WHtR-based obesity, while central obesity remained elevated, particularly among females. Obesity remains highly prevalent among Jordanian adults, with notable sex-specific differences, especially in central adiposity. Public health interventions should target high-risk groups and incorporate multiple anthropometric indicators along with sex- specific prevention and surveillance strategies.
Open Access PDF
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Global | BMI |
| Nutritionists | Body fat% |
| Obesity | Obesity |
| Waist-to-height ratio | |
| Waist-to-hip ratio |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | Overweight |
| disease | MESH | obesity |
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | body weight |
| disease | MESH | Central obesity |
| pathway | REACTOME | Reproduction |
| disease | MESH | included |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Coenzyme M |
| disease | MESH | chronic conditions |
| disease | MESH | alcoholic fatty liver |
| disease | MESH | NAFLD |
| disease | MESH | cardiovascular diseases |
| disease | MESH | T2D |
| disease | MESH | malignancies |
| disease | MESH | underweight |
| drug | DRUGBANK | BIA |
| disease | MESH | death |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methionine |
| disease | MESH | face |