A Life-Course Perspective on Obesity and the Length of Overweight and Obesity as Determinants of Jordanian Adult Females Obesity aged 20-50 years in Northern Jordan

Abstract

Among Jordanian women, obesity is a serious public health issue. The cumulative nature and long-term health effects of obesity across various life stages may not be sufficiently reflected in assessments based only on body mass index. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adult Jordanian women's obesity from a life-course perspective, with particular attention to childhood and adolescent obesity, family history of obesity, and length of exposure to obesity. Jordanian women between the ages of 20 and 50 participated in a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, the age at which obesity first appeared, the duration of obesity, and parental obesity were all recorded. BMI was used to categorize obesity. Appropriate statistical techniques were used to examine relationships between life-course factors and the severity of obesity. Results show Childhood and adolescent obesity, parental obesity, and longer duration of obesity were all significantly correlated with adult obesity. Greater severity of obesity was linked to longer duration of obesity. When weight history and duration were not taken into account, relying solely on BMI underestimated the cumulative burden of obesity. In conclusion, adult obesity in Jordanian women is a chronic illness that starts early in life. The assessment and risk evaluation of obesity may be enhanced by including weight history and obesity duration in addition to BMI. In order to lower the prevalence of obesity and support national public health initiatives, early family-based preventive interventions are crucial.

Key words: Life- Course, Obesity, Duration of obesity, Jordanian Adult Females