AMMAN — A national survey showed that about 30 percent of Jordanians suffer from obesity and revealed an increase in the rates of non-communicable diseases in Jordan. Jordanian experts state that there is a link between the two statistics.
اضافة اعلان
Jordan News spoke to experts regarding the survey. They said that there is a positive correlation between the increase in
obesity and the
increase in diseases, stressing the necessity of following a balanced diet and exercising daily.
The survey showed that 76 percent of citizens do not participate in any vigorous physical activity.
The survey also indicated that Jordanian citizens consume foods rich in energy, fats, free sugars, and salt/sodium, and that most Jordanians do not eat sufficient portions of fruits and vegetables.
In addition, the survey found showed that about 61 percent of the Jordanians are overweight, and half of those (almost 31 percent) suffer from obesity. Obesity rates were also much higher among women (40 percent) compared to men (24 percent).
President of the Jordanian Association for Medical Services Isaac Tawil told
Jordan News: “We do not pay attention to the quality of food we eat. We do not actually know that this food controls our organs and that the food may destroy or build our health.”
Tawil added that “Some people lack awareness regarding the importance of eating healthy and playing sports, although we know that almost all diseases result from eating unhealthy food and having large quantities.”
“We must eat small portions that meet our nutritional requirements only,” he said, adding that “it is not a joke, and eating should not be a hobby. As I said, we might destroy our bodies if we do not pay more attention to our food.”
Haitham Baroudi, an athlete and gym owner, told
Jordan News: “Sports should be an essential part of our lifestyle; it is good for our mind and body, we and we should never underestimate its importance and effectiveness.”
Baroudi added: “Many diseases are caused by obesity. So if we want to feel a positive change in our health, then we should follow a healthy lifestyle and count the calories our body intakes.”
Beyond experts, citizens who follow a healthy lifestyle and nourish their bodies insisted that changes they made had a positive physical and mental impact on their lives.
Sulaiman Abdallah, a 28-years-old citizen, told
Jordan News that “I lost more than 30kg and that was the best thing that happened in my life, it is a life-changing decision.”
Abdallah added” “I still remember how hard it was for me to wake up or to move or to climb the stairs. To be more honest, for a period of time, I felt frustrated, and I even hated my life.”
“I tried more than once to follow a diet and hit the gym, but I ended up failing,” he said
“But, one day, I felt that I needed to change my life, so I contacted a nutritionist who helped me a lot. When I lost the first 5kg, I was very happy that I wanted to continue and lose more weight,” he added.
The survey was carried out in cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and the Strategic Studies Center at the University of Jordan to provide basic data on non-communicable diseases and the main factors that cause them.
The survey, which was issued two weeks ago, recommended taking measures, changing policies, and setting laws through the health sector, institutions, governmental and non-governmental sectors, in addition to voluntary organizations to prevent these diseases.
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