AMMAN, Sept. 12 (Petra) – Healthy nutrition for persons with disabilities extends far beyond simply selecting a balanced meal. Certain medical conditions, varying mobility levels, and unique physiological needs often impose distinct dietary requirements, making one-size-fits-all nutritional guidelines obsolete and demanding personalized care programs.

Addressing this gap, the "Khatwa" (Step) initiative, launched by clinical nutritionist Suhaib Zoubi, introduces specialized nutritional and educational programs tailored to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

Zoubi told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the initiative stems from the firm belief that health is a fundamental right for all, and that differences in mobility or cognitive capacity should never become barriers to accessing health care, nutritional education, and targeted support.

"Khatwa" designs customized dietary plans based on an individual’s physical capabilities, lifestyle, health status, and eating habits rather than relying on standardized meal charts, Zoubi explained. The programs address nutritional wellness, weight management, diabetes and insulin resistance, cholesterol control, heart health, label reading, and appropriate food selection, alongside customized physical activity.

Obesity and its common comorbidities–such as diabetes and insulin resistance–emerge as the most frequent nutritional challenges observed among persons with disabilities, who may be more vulnerable to sedentary lifestyle impacts, Zoubi noted. He also pointed to cases of insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among some women with disabilities, emphasizing that comprehensive scientific studies are needed to accurately assess their prevalence.

Certain complex conditions require highly specific dietary interventions, Zoubi explained, citing a patient with multiple sclerosis who transitioned to a wheelchair as her condition progressed, necessitating a tailored dietary regimen adapted to her reduced mobility. The initiative also handles epilepsy cases, which, following clinical evaluation, may benefit from specialized low-carbohydrate or ketogenic protocols.

Zoubi cautioned against a common pitfall: focusing solely on food quantity while overlooking nutritional quality, an approach that frequently leads to weight gain and secondary health complications. Some individuals rely on just one or two daily meals due to limited nutritional awareness, he said, underscoring the importance of structured meal timing, high-quality ingredients, and balanced macronutrient distribution–including adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Engaging families and caregivers is essential when individuals depend on others for food procurement or preparation, provided their role centers on supportive assistance, Zoubi added. The initiative operates within an integrated healthcare framework, maintaining close coordination with physicians and specialists when specialized follow-up is required.

Sharing her perspective, Majd Hindawi, an individual with Down syndrome, stressed that nutrition remains an overlooked pillar within the broader health ecosystem for persons with disabilities. While education, rehabilitation, and medical treatment often command primary focus, daily nutrition rarely receives comparable attention despite its direct link to overall health and quality of life.

Nutritional focus should extend beyond weight management to encompass food quality, appropriate portion sizes, nutrient density, lifestyle factors, and mobility constraints, Hindawi said, highlighting the vital role families, schools, rehabilitation centers, and health institutions play in fostering dietary awareness.

Activist and "Be Positive" association founding member Nayfa Al-Kordi echoed these sentiments, noting that nutritional needs vary significantly depending on disability type, mobility levels, body composition, and potential medication side effects. She stressed that personalized approaches, backed by professional guidance, are critical.

Proper nutrition and tailored physical activity significantly enhance the quality of life, well-being, and independence of persons with disabilities, Al-Kordi concluded, urging a holistic view that respects individual preferences and environmental contexts to foster full community participation and dignified, independent living.

//Petra// AA

12/09/2026 12:52:46