Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Obese Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Ondo State

Childhood and adolescent obesity is an escalating public health problem in Nigeria, driven by increased consumption of energy-dense foods and reduced physical activity. This study determines fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in obese and non-obese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years attending secondary schools in Ondo State, South West Nigeria. A comparative cross-sectional design was used, with 100 obese adolescents identified using age- and sex-specific body mass index percentile charts matched with 100 non-obese peers. Fasting venous blood samples were collected after a 10-hour overnight fast. Anthropometric measurements including waist circumference and hip circumference were also taken. Physical activity levels were estimated using a validated questionnaire, and dietary habits were assessed via 24-hour recall. The study tests whether obesity in adolescence is already associated with measurable metabolic derangements including dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose regulation. Findings are expected to reveal a clustering of metabolic risk in obese adolescents that mirrors the adult metabolic syndrome. Results will inform school health programmes targeting early prevention of non-communicable diseases in South West Nigeria. Keywords: adolescent obesity, blood glucose, lipid profile, metabolic syndrome, Ondo State.