International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

The Association of Trans Fatty Acids Intake and Obesity among College Students at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ola Adel Da'na
Rima Hussein Mashal
Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
10.30476/ijns.2026.107865.1533
Abstract
Background: The increasing rates of obesity among young adults, particularly college students, have become a significant public health concern. Dietary habits, especially the consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) were shown to be correlated with an increase in obesity among populations undergoing lifestyle changes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the dietary intake of TFAs and their association with obesity among a specific group of college students at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 400 students were recruited through convenience sampling, from both genders aged 18-35 years, representing undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. Dietary TFA intake was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).
Results: The mean daily dietary intake of TFAs and the percentage of TFAs of total energy varied significantly among different body mass index (BMI) categories, including obese, overweight, and normal, with values of 2.67, 2.31, and 1.76 g/day and 1.2%, 1.0%, and 0.8%, respectively. The mean BMI increased significantly across TFA intake quartiles including 22.68±3.0 kg/m², 25.67±4.9 kg/m², 28.81±3.7 kg/m², and 30.61±5.3 kg/m², respectively. TFA intake level was significantly and positively associated with obesity risk [RR: 4.71 (3.15-7.03), p<0.001].
Conclusion: Higher intake of TFAs was positively linked to an increase in BMI among university students. These findings highlight the need for nutritional awareness regarding dietary TFAs intake and unhealthy eating habits in this population.

Highlights

Rima Hussein Mashal (Google Scholar)

Keywords
Diet
Trans fatty acids
Obesity
University students
Jordan
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