Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background:</bold> Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing rapidly in developing countries and have a high propensity to progress into adulthood, where they are associated with multi-systemic complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in the Bamenda II municipality. <bold>Materials and methods:</bold> We conducted a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study across five secondary schools over a four-month period. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, schools and classes were randomly selected, and students were systematically recruited. Socio-demographic data were collected via self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric parameters, including height and weight, were measured using a stadiometer and a bathroom scale respectively. Body Mass Index (BMI) values were calculated and plotted on World Health Organization (WHO) Z-score standardized charts, defining overweight as a Z-score > + 1 and obesity as a Z-score > + 2. Data analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.3, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <bold>Results:</bold> We enrolled 1,502 students with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. The mean age was 15.5 ± 2.1 years, and the mean BMI was 22.2 ± 3.5 kg/m². The overall prevalence of overweight was 25.4%, and the prevalence of obesity was 5.0%. Multivariable analysis revealed that significant independent predictors of overweight and obesity were female gender (OR = 3.36, 95% CI [2.48, 4.62], p < 0.001), enrollment in a private school (OR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.54, 2.47], p < 0.001), high consumption of sweet beverages (OR = 1.42, 95% CI [1.07, 1.89], p = 0.015), high consumption of fatty foods (OR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.18, 2.12], p = 0.002), and a sedentary lifestyle (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.12, 1.94], p = 0.005). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in the Bamenda II municipality is high. Because these primary driving factors are behavioral and modifiable, targeted public health and lifestyle interventions can significantly curb this trend </p>