INTRODUCTION: Central obesity (CO) leads to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks in children and adolescents. The evidence on prevalence of central obesity and its correlates are lacking among adolescents in India. OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the prevalence of central obesity in school-going adolescents, (2) To determine the association between central obesity and generalized obesity (GO) among adolescents, and (3) To determine the correlates of central obesity. METHODS: Totally, 660 adolescents, selected using systematic random sampling, in four urban schools in Aligarh were interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. CO was defined as >
90 RESULTS: Overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 28.5% [CI: 25.2-32.0], almost double of generalized obesity (14.6%, 95%CI: 12.1-17.6). The prevalence was significantly higher among girls (33.6%, 95%CI: 28.3-39.3) than in boys (24.7%, 95%CI: 20.7-29.3) and in the affluent group (38.8%, 95%CI: 33.7-44.1) than in non-affluent (18.2%, 95%CI: 14.4-22.7). More than 1/4 CONCLUSION: Central obesity among school-going adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian city is alarmingly high and a burden even in one-fourth of normal weight adolescents. Screening for CO among adolescents by primary physicians, pediatricians, and through School Health Programme is recommended. Behavior change communication regarding risk factors for CO is advocated.