Relationship Between Sedentary Behaviour and Body Mass Index Among Adolescents in Federal Capital Territory

Sedentary behaviour has emerged as an independent risk factor for weight gain and metabolic dysfunction among adolescents, distinct from the absence of physical activity. This study examines the relationship between sedentary behaviour and body mass index among senior secondary school adolescents in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 340 students from eight secondary schools selected through stratified random sampling across the three area councils of the FCT. Sedentary behaviour was assessed using the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire, capturing screen time, motorised transport use, and seated leisure time. Anthropometric measurements were used to compute body mass index, classified using WHO age-and-sex-specific cut-offs. Pearson correlation and logistic regression analyses examined associations between sedentary behaviour patterns and weight status categories. Results reveal that daily screen time exceeding three hours is reported by 61 percent of respondents, and a statistically significant positive association is observed between total daily sedentary time and elevated body mass index. Students in private schools, where sedentary academic-support activities are more intensive, demonstrate higher average sedentary hours. Physical education participation does not fully offset the metabolic risk associated with high daily sedentary time. Recommendations include incorporating sedentary behaviour reduction counselling into school health education, encouraging active transport to school, and establishing structured breaks from seated activities during the school day. Keywords: sedentary behaviour, body mass index, adolescents, Federal Capital Territory, screen time