Food consumption and adherence to dietary guidelines among Jordanian children and adolescents

TL;DR

Jordanian children and teens consume too many added sugars and not enough fruits, vegetables, and dairy, leading to high rates of overweight and obesity.

Contribution

This study provides the first assessment of Jordanian children's dietary habits and adherence to MyPlate guidelines using recent national survey data.

Findings

44% of Jordanian children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

Added sugar intake was 57g/day, exceeding dietary recommendations.

Intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy was below MyPlate guidelines.

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the energy and macronutrient intake of Jordanian children and adolescents, 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 that was conducted in Jordan between 2021-2022 (561 children and adolescents 8-19 years). Dietary intake was assessed using the two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recall method (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, the consumption of 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.

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