Anthropometric Profile and Body Mass Index Classification of Secondary School Adolescents in Owerri, Imo State

Adolescence represents a critical window for growth monitoring, yet data on anthropometric profiles of Nigerian secondary school students remain sparse across many states. This study assessed the anthropometric profile and body mass index classification of secondary school adolescents in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria. A total of 250 students aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from five randomly selected public secondary schools. Measurements taken included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, from which body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were derived. Sociodemographic data including age, sex, and dietary pattern were collected via structured questionnaire. Analysis employed descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Results showed that 11.2 percent of participants were classified as overweight or obese, while 14.8 percent were underweight, reflecting a dual burden of malnutrition common in transitioning economies. Girls had significantly higher body fat estimates compared to boys of similar age. Waist circumference exceeded recommended thresholds in 9.6 percent of participants, indicating early central adiposity risk. The findings underscore the need for school-based nutritional surveillance and health education programmes targeting adolescent populations in Imo State. Periodic anthropometric monitoring is recommended as a cost-effective public health strategy in Nigerian secondary schools. Keywords: anthropometry, body mass index, adolescents, Owerri, malnutrition.