Amman: Nearly one-third of school students aged 13 to 17 are overweight or obese, with the rate rising to 42.5 percent among private-school students, according to a national school health survey that has prompted new measures on food and physical activity in schools.
According to Jordan News Agency, Health Minister Ibrahim Al-Bdoor stated that the Global School-based Student Health Survey found that 32.9 percent of students in the age group were above a healthy weight, including 20.8 percent who were overweight and 12.1 percent who were obese. The prevalence of overweight stood at 30.3 percent among public-school students, compared with 42.5 percent in private schools.
The survey also highlighted low levels of physical activity. Only 12 percent of students exercised for more than 60 minutes a day during the week, while 31.5 percent did not participate in physical education classes at school. Conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development with support from the World Health Organization, the survey's findings have led to new health initiatives.
Al-Bdoor noted that the Health Ministry has introduced measures targeting unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity, identified as main risk factors. New health requirements have been sent to the Education Ministry for implementation in school canteens, along with lists specifying permissible foods and drinks.
Prohibited items include flavored and processed chips, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, and manually prepared drinks and juices containing artificial coloring. The Health Ministry has also called for increased oversight of school canteens, asking the Education Ministry and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration to activate joint technical committees for regular inspections.
These committees, comprising representatives from the three agencies, will inspect canteens at both public and private schools to ensure compliance with health standards and approved food and beverage lists. The ministry has further recommended that physical education be treated as an essential part of the school curriculum, with schools instructed to hold PE classes regularly across all grade levels.
Additionally, the ministry suggests incorporating light exercise and interactive activities into morning assemblies and school breaks, expanding participation in school sports and competitions, and providing safe, properly equipped spaces for physical activity. These measures are part of broader efforts to reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases by improving students' diets, increasing daily movement, and promoting healthier habits from an early age.