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Mousa Abujbara,1 Huda M Al Hourani,2 Reem Ibrahim Al-Raoush,1 Yousef S Khader,3 Kamel Ajlouni1 1The National Centre (Institute) for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 2Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan; 3Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, JordanCorrespondence: Kamel Ajlouni, The National Centre (Institute) for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, The University of Jordan, P.O. Box 13165, Amman, 11942, Jordan, Tel +962 6 534 7810, Fax +962 6 535 6670, Email ajlouni@ju.edu.joBackground: Previous studies showed variable estimate of the prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prevalence of hyperuricemia and associated risk factors in Jordanian patients with T2DM is largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its associated factors in Jordanian patients with T2DM.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 655 patients with T2DM. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. In addition, records of the study subjects were reviewed to obtain other clinical data. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Lipid profile, serum uric acid and glycated haemoglobin were analysed. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. An informed written consent was obtained from each participant. The confidentiality of the information was assured and only used for scientific purposes.Results: Overall, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 28.1%. Female gender (OR: 2.37; 95%, CI: 1.63– 3.45), intake of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR: 1.68; 95%, CI: 1.12– 2.50), intake of β-blockers (OR: 2.20; 95%, CI: 1.51– 3.22), increased waist circumference (OR: 3.17; 95%, CI: 1.39– 7.22) and family history of hyperuricemia (OR: 2.56; 95%, CI: 1.57– 4.16) were associated with increased odds of hyperuricemia.Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was high among type 2 diabetic patients, and screening test will be useful for those patients.Keywords: uric acid, hyperuricemia, diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND/AIM: The newly described proteins adropin and irisin are a highly conserved polypeptide that plays essential roles in metabolic and energy homeostasis, insulin resistance, and fat browning. The aim of this study is to evaluate the circulating levels of serum adropin and irisin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and also to elucidate possible relationships between serum adropin and irisin levels with anthropometric obesity indices and biochemical parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Single-center prospective observational study included 90 T2DM patients referred to the diabetes outpatient clinic. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum lipids, creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen were evaluated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated, serum adropin and irisin were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed a significant positive correlation between adropin and irisin in females but not in males (r = 0.311; P = 0.042). In males’ group, serum adropin levels showed significant negative correlation with serum glucose (–0.423, P =

Introduction The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing among young people worldwide. The American Diabetes Association has defined the risk factors that are associated with this increased risk for developing T2DM in youths. Objective To explore school children at high-risk for T2DM in Jordan. Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The children were 10–14.9 years old. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured, and the body mass index Z score (BMI) was determined. The waist to height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. Blood pressure was measured and three childs risk factors were identified. Results Eight hundred and seventy-one schoolchildren were screened; 26.0% were overweight and 19.3% were obese. The most common risk factor among overweight and obese children, accounting for 80.4%, was a positive family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus in first- or second-degree relatives. Children born to mothers with diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus during the child's gestation represented 17.3%, and around 26.8% were found to have hypertension (stage 1 or 2). In relation to the risk factors, 12.6% presented no risk factors; 54.0% had at least one factor; 29.1% two risk factors and 4.3% had three risk factors. Conclusion Risk factors for T2DM are very common. Around 54% had one risk factor. Strategies aimed at reducing risk factors for T2DM, especially obesity, among Jordanian school children are urgently needed.

Objective:The lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic affects lifestyle patterns globally and impacts children and adolescents. This study aims to assess the effect of the lockdown on body weight, eating habits, and physical activity of Jordanian youth (children and adolescents).Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 477 Jordanian children and adolescents aged 6-17 y. The study tool was a structured validated questionnaire. It comprised 4 parts, including a general description of the study purpose, sociodemographic and anthropometric data, physical activity data, and food intake pattern. Questions were reported before and during lockdown. Changes in outcomes over the 2 study time points were evaluated.Results:After the lockdown period, the mean body weight and body mass index for age Z-scores (BAZ) showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) compared with before the lockdown period. More than 50% of the subjects reported that they spent more than 3 h in front of the screen during the lockdown. The percent of subjects who watched TV for more than 3h was increased. Moreover, physical inactivity was increased significantly during the lockdown. All food groups consumption was significantly increased during the lockdown compared to before the lockdown.Conclusions:COVID-19 lockdown period was characterized by an increase in the use of screen-based devices, lower physical activity, uncontrolled food intake, and weight gain.

Studies on eating disorders among Jordanian adolescents have reported variable prevalence rates of 12-40%.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of eating disorders among Jordanian adolescents with and without dysglycaemia and determine the associated factors.A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the period November 2017-February 2018. The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale was used to assess the presence of different types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. A typical anorexia nervosa and purging disorder were considered "other eating disorders" in this study.This study included 497 patients with dysglycaemia and 504 age-matched nondysglycaemic participants. Patients with dysglycaemia had a significantly higher prevalence of binge eating disorders compared with nondysglycaemic participants (11.9% vs 5.8%, P0.001). In dysglycaemia group, adolescents who were aged ≥ 14 years were more likely to have bulimia nervosa compared with those14 years old. Patients with a sedentary lifestyle were less likely to have bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders. In the nondysglycaemic group, those aged 14-18 years were more likely to have other eating disorders. Those with dysglycaemia were more likely to have binge eating disorders than those in the nondysglycaemic group (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.3; P = 0.002) after adjusting for possible confounders.Adolescents with dysglycaemia had higher prevalence of eating disorders compared with their nondysglycaemic peers. Screening for eating disorders is recommended among adolescents to secure early detection and subsequent intervention.اضطرابات الأكل بين المراهقين الأردنيين المصابين بخلل سكر الدم وغير المصابين به: دراسة مقارنة.هدى الحوراني، رنا أبابنة، نهلة خواجة، يوسف خضر، كامل العجلوني.أفادت الدراسات التي أُجريت على اضطرابات الأكل بين المراهقين الأردنيين أن معدلات الانتشار المتغيرة تتراوح بين 12–٪40.هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد معدل انتشار اضطرابات الأكل بين المراهقين الأردنيين المصابين بخلل سكر الدم وغير المصابين به، وتحديد العوامل المرتبطة بذلك.أُجريت دراسة مقطعية مقارنة خلال الفترة من نوفمبر/تشرين الثاني 2017 إلى فبراير/شباط 2018. واستُخدِم مقياس تشخيص اضطرابات الأكل لتقييم وجود أنواع مختلفة من اضطرابات الأكل، بما فيها فقدان الشهية العصبي، والنهام العصبي، واضطراب نهم الطعام. وأخذت الدراسة بعين الاعتبار فقدان الشهية العصبي غير النمطي والاضطراب المُسهِل "اضطرابات الأكل الأخرى".شملت هذه الدراسة 497 مريضاً يعانون من خلل سكر الدم و 504 مشاركين من العمر نفسه لا يعانون من خلل سكر الدم. وكان معدل انتشار اضطراب نهم الطعام لدى المرضى المصابين بخلل سكر الدم أعلى بكثير مقارنةً بالمشاركين غير المصابين بخلل سكر الدم (0.001P ,٪5.8 vs٪11.9). وفي مجموعة المصابين بخلل سكر الدم، كان المراهقون الذين بلغت أعمارهم ≥ 14 سنة أكثر عُرضة للإصابة بالنهام العصبي مقارنةً بالذين تقل أعمارهم عن 14 سنة. وكان المرضى الذين يتَّبعون نمط حياة يتسم بقلة الحركة أقل عرضة للإصابة بالنهام العصبي واضطراب نهم الطعام. وفي مجموعة غير المصابين بخلل سكر الدم، كان أولئك الذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 14–18 سنة أكثر عُرضة للإصابة باضطرابات الأكل الأخرى. وكان أولئك الذين يعانون من خلل سكر الدم أكثر عُرضة للإصابة باضطراب نهم الطعام من أولئك الذين ينتمون إلى مجموعة غير المصابين بخلل سكر الدم (0.002=p ;3.3-1.3=CI ٪95 ;2.1=OR) بعد التصحيح من أجل السيطرة على عوامل الإرباك المحتملة.كان معدل انتشار اضطرابات الأكل لدى المراهقين المصابين بخلل سكر الدم أعلى مقارنةً بأقرانهم الذين لا يعانون من خلل سكر الدم. ويوصَ بفحص المراهقين للتحرِّي عن اضطرابات الأكل لضمان الكشف المبكر والتدخل اللاحق.Étude comparative sur les troubles alimentaires chez les adolescents jordaniens avec et sans dysglycémie.Des études sur les troubles alimentaires chez les adolescents jordaniens ont fait état de taux de prévalence variables compris entre 12 et 40 %.La présente étude visait à déterminer la prévalence des troubles alimentaires chez les adolescents jordaniens avec et sans dysglycémie et à déterminer les facteurs qui y sont associés.Une étude transversale comparative a été menée au cours de la période allant de novembre 2017 à février 2018. L'échelle de diagnostic des troubles alimentaires a été utilisée pour évaluer la présence de différents types de troubles alimentaires, notamment l'anorexie mentale, la boulimie et l’hyperphagie boulimique. L'anorexie nerveuse atypique et le trouble de purge ont été considérés en tant « qu’autres troubles alimentaires » dans cette étude.Cette étude portait sur 497 patients atteints de dysglycémie et 504 participants sans dysglycémie appariés selon l'âge. Les patients atteints de dysglycémie présentaient une prévalence significativement plus élevée de troubles de la boulimie par rapport aux participants sans dysglycémie (11,9 % contre 5,8 %, p0,001). Les adolescents atteints de dysglycémie âgés de 14 ans ou plus étaient plus susceptibles de souffrir de boulimie nerveuse que ceux de moins de 14 ans. Les patients ayant un mode de vie sédentaire étaient moins susceptibles de souffrir de boulimie et d’hyperphagie boulimique. Dans le groupe des sujets non dysglycémiques, la probabilité d'avoir d'autres troubles alimentaires était plus élevée ceux âgés de 14 à 18 ans. Les participants atteints de dysglycémie étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir une hyperphagie boulimique que ceux du groupe non dysglycémique (OR = 2,1, IC à 95 % : 1,3-3,3 ; p = 0,002) après ajustement en fonction des facteurs de confusion possibles.Les adolescents atteints de dysglycémie présentaient une prévalence plus élevée de troubles alimentaires par rapport à leurs pairs non atteints de dysglycémie. Le dépistage des troubles alimentaires est recommandé chez les adolescents afin d'assurer une détection précoce et une intervention ultérieure.

Summary Background/aims Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is defined as an excessive concern in choosing and preparing of meals according to strict rules. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of ON among nutrition students and nutritionists and to identify the related variables affected by the ON tendency. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in July and August of 2019 among 421 nutrition students from six universities, in addition to nutritionists in Jordan. Participants completed questionnaire related to individual characteristics and the ORTO-15 scale. Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) tendency was measured using ORTO-15 questionnaire, referring to different diagnostic thresholds (40/35). p Results Orthorexia had 72.0% prevalence in our sample using the 40-point threshold; the figure was reasonably lower with the 35-point threshold (31.8%). Also, ON tendency was significantly affected by BMI categories (p = 0.007) and gender (p = 0.043) at 35-point threshold. Males have more tendency (39.4%) than females (28.6%) (p = 0.029). Conclusion The results of this study highlight the magnitude of ON in Jordan. Using cut-off at 35 is preferable than cut-off at 40 to identify factors influencing ON. Moreover, ON tendency is affected by gender and BMI and not affected by educational level.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: University students might have poor diet quality. The aim of this study is to identify the dietary patterns of university students and assess their association with different socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on students attending the University of Jordan, in a time period between September and November 2019. METHODS: A total of 664 students (469 females and 195 males aged between 17-30 years with a mean age (SD) of 19.7± 1.8), were included in this study. Data was collected using a survey consistent of two parts; socio-demographic, lifestyle, eating habits questions and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ consisted of 55 food items/subgroups, and was specifically designed for this study. Body weight and height were measured by a trained dietitian. Principle component analysis was used to generate the dietary patterns. Associations between dietary patterns with different variables were measured through general linear modelling.RESULTS: Three main dietary patterns were identified: ‘snacking’, ‘healthy’ and ‘accessible’. Mean factor scores of the snacking pattern increased with less healthy aspects such as obesity or being underweight, smoking and being physically inactive. While factor scores for the healthy pattern increased with healthier aspects such as physically activity, having three or more meals per day and considering breakfast as the main meal of the day, and this pattern was largely followed by male students. Finally, the accessible pattern had higher scores for students living with their family and having three or more meals per day. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide an understanding to the dietary patterns of university students along with related factors (socio-demographic, lifestyle, eating habits). It has identified a number of precursors of both healthy and unhealthy dietary practices. These finding are important for the conceptualization of multi behavioral programs and public health interventions.

Many cancers might be influenced by obesity, including breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among women. Obesity is a complex state associated with multiple physiological and molecular changes capable of modulating the behavior of breast tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment. This review discussed the inverse association between obesity and breast cancer among premenopausal breast cancer females and the positive association among postmenopausal. Four mechanisms may link obesity and breast cancer including leptin and leptin receptor expression, adipose chronic inflammation, sex hormone alternation, and insulin and insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling. Leptin has been involved in breast cancer initiation, development, and progression through signaling transduction network. Leptin functions are strengthened through cross talk with multiple oncogenes, cytokines, and growth factors. Adipose chronic inflammation promotes cancer growth and angiogenesis and modifies the immune responses. A pro-inflammatory microenvironment at tumor site promotes cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators adjacent to the tumor. Leptin stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes T-helper 1 responses. Obesity is common of chronic inflammation. In obese patients, white adipose tissue (WAT) will promote pro-inflammatory mediators that will encourage tumor growth and WAT inflammation. Sex hormone alternation of estrogens is associated with increased risk for hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Estrogens cause tumorigenesis by its effect on signaling pathways that lead to DNA damage, stimulation angiogenesis, mutagenesis, and cell proliferation. In postmenopausal females, and due to termination of ovarian function, estrogens were produced extra gonadally, mainly in peripheral adipose tissues where adrenal-produced androgen precursors are converted to estrogens. Active estradiol leads to breast cancer development by binding to ERα, which is modified by receptor’s interaction of various signal transduction pathways. Hyperinsulinemia and IGF-1 activate the MAPK and PI3K pathways, leading to cancer-promoting effects. Cross talk between insulin/IGF and estrogen signaling pathways promotes hormone-sensitive breast cancer development. Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for breast cancer that explains the obesity-breast cancer association. Controlling IGF-1 level and targeting IGF-1 receptors among different breast cancer subtypes may be useful for breast cancer treatment. This review discussed several leptin signaling pathways, highlighting the potential advantage of targeting leptin as a potential target of the novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.

Aim: To examine the role of overweight and obesity on the glycaemic response to foods across the whole population. Design: Randomised, repeated measures design. Setting: Oxford, UK. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-seven healthy volunteers, 9 Caucasian, 9 Asian, and 9 African, voluntarily participated in the study. The glycaemic response to two breakfast cereals and two bread types was determined in obese and overweight subjects. Results: The current study shows that a very strong correlation exists between fasting blood glucose, peak change in glucose and the IAUC for glucose with each of BMI and WC (r = 0.88, 0.92; 0.82, 0.82; 0.91, 0.81; p = 0.01, respectively) for the Caucasian group. In addition, there was a strong significant negative association between the mean GI values of the four foods and the BMI for the Caucasian subjects (r = 0.61, p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a strong positive significant association between the mean GI values of the four foods and the percentage body fat mass for the Asian subjects (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study has shown that the GI values of foods are affected by body composition in Asian and Caucasian subjects.

UNLABELLED Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are implicated in anumber of ways as possible causes of breast cancer. Throughout women life cycle, breast development and function depend on complex critical interplay of these hormones. The acknowledged gaps in our understanding concerning progesterone, estrogen and prolactin hormones involvement in human breast cancer has exposed the need to conduct this study for better understanding of the role played by these hormones in breast cancer during pre and post menopause status in order to influence prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Ninety women were enrolled, (80%) of them were breast cancer patients and the other (20%) were breast benign lesion patients. At attending King Hussein Medical Center, blood samples were collected and analyzed for plasma estradiol, prolactin and progesterone. Of the 72 breast cancer patients (66.6% and 33.4%), and of the 18 breast benign patients (27.8% and 72.2%) were in menopause and premenopausal, respectively. Of the breast cancer and benign patients groups, 55.6% of each had an association with either high plasma estradiol, prolactin or progesterone concentrations. Of the breast cancer patients that had association with high plasma hormonal concentrations, 47.5% had high plasma estradiol concentrations (155.0+/-36 pg/ml) and 89.5% of these were in menopause. Of the breast benign patients, 60% had high plasma prolactin concentrations (55.2+/-10.6 ng/ml). Menopausal breast cancer is associated with high plasma estradiol concentrations, while premenopausal breast benign were associated high plasma prolactin concentrations which indicate that high plasma estradiol in menopause is arisk factor for breast cancer development while high prolactin in premenopausal is arisk factor for breast benign. Therefore, breast cancer and benign are highly hormonal dependent. KEYWORDS breast cancer, premenopausal and postmenopausal, plasma hormones.

The purpose of this present study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult females in the United Arab Emirates. A total number of 724 females, age 20-90 years, were recruited from the seven Emirates. The sample was divided into three age groups, 20 to30 years, 30 to60 years and60 years. Height, weight and mid-upper-arm circumference were measured in each subject. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and30 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27% and 16%, respectively. The age group between 30 and60 years had the highest prevalence of overweight (33%) and obesity (24%). In conclusion, the findings from our study suggest that a high proportion of adult females in the United Arab Emirates are overweight and obese. The consequences of this are a serious concern for public health and need to be addressed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of physical activity and levels of inactivity in adolescent females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 58 adolescent females, age 11-16 years, were recruited from two female-only governmental schools in Abu-Dhabi. Subjects were divided into two groups: 11-13 years (n = 22) and 14-16 years (n = 36). Physical activity patterns were determined from a 3-day activity diary. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated using a factorial approach. The amount of physical activity was expressed as the physical activity level (PAL) and the activity-related energy expenditure (AEE). The number of hours spent watching television was estimated from the activity diaries. There were no significant differences in the energy expenditure parameters between age groups or between schooldays and weekends. PAL was low in both age groups. Television was the predominant leisure time pursuit. The number of hours per day spent watching television (median and interquartile range) was 2.5 (2.3-3.1) in 11-13 years and 2.5 (2.3-2.8) in 14-16 years. Television-watching was significantly higher during the weekend than schooldays: 11-13 years (P = 0.006) and 14-16 years (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the amount of physical activity undertaken by adolescent females in the UAE was very low. Cultural and weather restrictions and social change of the community in the UAE are not conducive to physical activity and play a major role in levels of physical inactivity. This may explain, in part, the rise in the incidence of obesity in this population.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight in adolescent females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 898 females, ages 11–18 years, were recruited from five of the seven Emirates with the highest resident Emirati population. Height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and mid-upper-arm circumference were measured in each subject. Reference data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used for comparison. At risk for overweight or overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) ≥85–95th percentile and ≥95th percentile, respectively. Mean values for BMI and TSF at all ages were higher than the 50th percentile (median) of the NHANES reference data. Using the BMI classification, 14% and 9% of all subjects were classified as at risk for overweight or overweight, respectively. The proportion of subjects at risk for overweight ranged between 7–19% and the prevalence of overweight ranged between 6–15%. The proportion of subjects with a BMI ≥85 percentile ranged from 15% at age 17 years to 33% at age 11 years. Furthermore, 27% and 28% of subjects ages 11 and 12 years, respectively, were above the TSF 90th percentile. These two age groups also showed a high prevalence of overweight using the BMI classification. In conclusion, the findings from our study suggest that a high proportion of adolescent females in the UAE are overweight or at risk for overweight. The consequences of this are a serious concern for public health and need to be addressed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:758–764, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Objective The aim was to evaluate the outcome of body weight loss consulting in an outpatient nutrition clinic.Methods Forty-five adult females attended 10 individualized treatment one-to-one sessions. Weight and height were measured and the body mass index was calculated. Triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thickness were measured and the fat percentage was calculated. A hypocaloric diet was given to the women; the percentages of carbohydrate, protein and fat in the diet were kept between 50 and 55% for carbohydrates, between 15 and 20% for protein, and ≤30% of fat.Results Average weight loss was 7.4 kg, which was 8.4% of initial. Class III obese subjects achieved the highest weight loss (−9.4 kg). Weight loss was statistically significant after week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 (P < 0.001). The body mass index was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). The mean fat percentage was not significantly different.Conclusions The results indicate the increasing importance of nutrition counselli...

Background/Aims: Evidence related to the influence of the menstrual cycle on energy and nutrient intakes is inconclusive. The purpose of the present study was to investigate energy and nutrient intakes during different phases of the menstrual cycle in adult females in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: Forty-three females, aged between 18 and 30 years, were recruited to the study. Subjects were not using oral contraceptive pills and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Food and beverage intake was recorded, using the estimated daily record method, for 2 days of each menstrual cycle phase (pre-menstrual, menstrual and post-menstrual). Energy and nutrient intakes were analysed using Diet5 for Windows. Results: Mean energy intake was significantly lower in the menstrual phase compared to the pre-menstrual phase (p = 0.002), but not the post-menstrual phase. Intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients were higher in the pre-menstrual phase compared to the menstrual and post-menstrual phases. Intakes of carbohydrates, protein and fat were significantly higher in the pre-menstrual phase than in the menstrual phase (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.013, respectively). Similarly, intakes of vitamin C and B vitamins were significantly higher in the pre-menstrual phase than in the menstrual phase (p = 0.019, p = 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Energy and nutrient intakes varied during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. These results confirm the hypothesis that food intake differs between different phases of the menstrual cycle.

To examine the relationship between obesity, lipid profile and blood pressure, and to quantify the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) for the next 10 years, using the Framingham risk scoring scheme among Jordanian adult males.We conducted this study in Al-Sarieh, Jordan during the period March to May 2001. A total of 306 apparently healthy adult males, aged 30-50 years completed all the study procedures. We selected the participants using a multi-stage cluster sampling design. Dietary history and smoking habits were obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire and interview. Blood samples were obtained and examined for lipid profiles. We measured the blood pressures, as well as the weight and height to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The sample was categorized into 3 groups using the World Health Organization classifications for BMI. The risk of CHD was calculated using a scoring scale according to Framingham scheme. Analyses of data were carried out using the Chi-square test, and the Analysis of Variance.The mean age of the subjects was 39 years with a mean BMI of 28.2 kg/m2. The percentage of current smokers was 44.1%. The mean of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, increased significantly with increasing BMI categories, whereas the mean of high density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with increasing BMI categories. Prevalence of medium and high risk of CHD significantly increased as BMI categories increases.The prevalence of estimated CHD risk for the next 10 years in moderate and high CHD categories increases as the BMI categories increases among Jordanian adult men in Al-Sarieh area.

To compare the lifestyle related risk factors for breast cancer such as physical activity, cigarette smoking, the use of contraceptive pills and increased body weight between non-familial and familial breast cancer females in Jordan.This study was carried out in the Kingdom of Jordan during the period 2000 through to 2002. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 99 females who were histologically and pathologically diagnosed for breast cancer. Data of the questionnaire was entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences.This study showed no significant difference between familial, non-familial breast cancer females and controls in the following risk factors: physical activity, contraceptive methods, and smoking. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference in weight was found between the familial breast cancer females, the total breast cancer females and the controls. In addition, the highest percentage of overweight and obese was found among postmenopausal breast cancer females.Postmenopausal obesity is a significant risk factor among Jordanian breast cancer females.

To compare the risk factors such as age, menopause, menarche, age at the first pregnancy, number of pregnancies and breast feeding period between the familial and non-familial breast cancer females in Jordan.This study was carried out in Al-Basheer Hospital, Amman, Jordan during the period 2000 and 2002. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 99 females who were histologically and pathologically diagnosed with breast cancer. Data of the questionnaire were entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences.The highest percentage of non-familial and familial breast cancer occurrence was among age group 51-60 years. The age of the first pregnancy is another risk factor of which the highest percentage of breast cancer was reported for both familial (57.1%) and non-familial (65.4) breast cancer females who have their first pregnancy while they were 20-years-old and above. More than 4 pregnancies also represents a risk factor for both non-familial (67.9%) and familial (68.6%) breast cancer patients. In this study, there are no statistical differences between menopause and menarche age among the breast cancer females. Finally, an inverse relationship was shown between breast feeding period (equal or more than 24 months) and the occurrence of breast cancer in both non-familial (2%) and familial (0%) breast cancer.This study found that age 51-60 years and the increase number of pregnancies (more than 4) in the age of 20 years or more are risk factors for both types of breast cancer. On the other hand, longer period of breast feeding (more than 24 months) decreases the risk of breast cancer in both types.