Jordanian Schoolchildren Face Alarming Obesity Rates, Health Ministry Responds

A new World Health Organization survey in Jordan has revealed significant obesity levels among schoolchildren, with 30.3% of public school students classified as overweight and 12.1% as obese. The study also found that 31.5% of students do not participate in physical education classes.

In response to these findings, the Jordanian Ministry of Health has initiated measures to improve the nutritional environment in educational institutions. A directive has been sent to the Ministry of Education outlining new health requirements for school canteens. These include lists of permitted and prohibited food and beverage items for sale, with notable restrictions on snacks containing artificial flavors and additives, soft drinks, energy drinks, and homemade juices with artificial coloring.

The Ministry of Health also aims to promote physical activity as an integral part of the academic schedule to combat non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors. These concerning statistics emerge at a time when Jordan has also become a key target for Iranian attacks aimed at U.S. bases within its territory, partly due to complex regional relations and its peace treaty with Israel.