Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity Among Secondary School Adolescents in Lagos State

Background: Adolescent obesity is an emerging public health concern with long-term implications for non-communicable disease burden. Its prevalence in the densely populated South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria is yet to be comprehensively documented at the school level. This study determines the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among secondary school adolescents in Lagos State. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 adolescents from selected public and private secondary schools using multistage sampling. Body mass index was computed from measured weight and height. A self-administered questionnaire assessed dietary habits, physical activity, and screen time. Results: Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in private schools. High consumption of fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages, combined with low physical activity, emerged as the dominant risk factors. Female sex and higher socioeconomic status were independently associated with obesity. Conclusion: Rising adolescent obesity rates in Lagos State call for a multi-sectoral response integrating school health programmes, dietary counselling, and physical education. Family medicine practitioners should incorporate routine BMI screening in adolescent health consultations. Keywords: adolescent obesity, body mass index, secondary school, Lagos, risk factors