The nutrition transition in Jordan: the political, economic and food consumption contexts

Abstract

This paper describes and analyzes the nutrition transition in Jordan. The nutrition transition is shifting from undernutrition of a population to a diet high in fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates (overnutrition) and corresponding premature morbidity and mortality from ensuing chronic diseases. The paper reviews and examines secondary data on demographic, epidemiological, economic, social, and dietary changes in the region. Jordan is moving through the nutrition transition at a rapid pace. Demographic, epidemiological, economic, and social changes have been accompanied by changes in diet, food expenditure, and general health. Although mortality rates have dropped significantly, fertility rates still remain high at 3.6 children per woman, especially compared to other countries in the region. Urbanization has increased rapidly from 46% of the population residing in urban areas in 1965 to 75% currently. Declines in real per capita income have created a state in which 27% of families live under the poverty line. Dietary changes in the region, due in part to changes in food availability over the last 40 years, include a general rise in caloric intake (from 2,165 Kcals in 1965 to 3,161 Kcals in 1997) with an increasing percentage of energy supply coming from fats and cereals. Undernutrition and chronic rates of malnutrition are low compared to other developing countries; however, various sources reveal that overweight and obesity are on the rise. Obesity in Jordan tends to be higher among women (16%) than among men (10%), with a much higher prevalence of obesity among uneducated women (50%). In conclusion, overweight and obesity are an emerging problem in Jordan, especially for women. There is a high prevalence of risk factors associated with diet-related non-communicable diseases among both men and women.