Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Secondary School Adolescents in Lagos State

The nutritional transition in Nigerian urban centres has driven a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents, creating future NCD risk at a population level that requires surveillance and early intervention. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in twelve public and private secondary schools in Lagos Island and Alimosho LGAs, enrolling 380 students aged 11 to 19 through stratified random sampling. Body mass index was calculated from measured weight and height, and BMI-for-age z-scores were classified using WHO 2007 reference values. A structured questionnaire assessed dietary patterns, physical activity levels, screen time, and parental weight status. Results showed an overweight prevalence of 14.7 percent and obesity prevalence of 7.9 percent, with private school students showing significantly higher rates than public school counterparts (combined overweight/obesity 32.4 percent versus 15.8 percent; p < 0.001). Daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (OR 2.1; p < 0.01), screen time above two hours (OR 1.8; p < 0.05), and private school attendance were significant predictors. Physical activity of at least 60 minutes daily was practised by only 41.6 percent of respondents. The study concludes that overweight and obesity are emerging public health concerns among Lagos adolescents and recommends school-based nutrition education, physical education policy enforcement, and family-level dietary counselling as priority interventions. Keywords: overweight, obesity, adolescents, secondary school, Lagos State