Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk
for global deaths and is on the increase among
adolescents in developing countries. Zambia is also
affected by adolescent obesity epidemic, but the
context of obesity and overweight has been under
explored in younger age groups. The study aimed
to determine the prevalence of overweight and
obesity among adolescents in Urban Ndola,
Zambia and identify its correlates. A secondary
school based cross sectional study was undertaken
in selected schools and face to face interviews were
conducted with students using structured
questionnaires. Associations were established
using the Chi-squared test and the Fisher’s exact
test, where appropriate. The level of statistical
significance was set at the 5% level. In determining
independent factors associated with
overweight/obesity, a multivariate logistic
regression was conducted. Adjusted odds ratios
(AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals are
reported. Of the 400 participants from urban
Ndola, Zambia, 7.0% (2.1% of males, 11.5% of
females) were overweight/obese. Sex and transport
were significantly associated with the outcome.
Male respondents were 58% less likely to be
overweight/obese compared to females
(AOR=0.42; 95% CI [0.24, 0.72]). Compared to
respondents who used a car as mode of transport,
those who walked or used a bicycle were 38% less
likely to be overweight/obese (AOR=0.62; 95% CI
[0.41, 0.93]). The observed rate of overweight in the
current study has not reached at an alarming rate
but measures to control it such as involving
students in physical activity must be instituted.