Background: Obesity has become a worldwide phenomenon cutting across regional and economic barriers. Childhood and adolescent obesity has emerged as an epidemic not only in the developed countries but also in the developing countries that are in rapid epidemiological transition, and India is no exception. 50-80% of the obese children will continue to be obese adults . However, whether or not obesity persists into adulthood, the obesity in childhood appears to increase the risk of subsequent morbidities . Objective: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its influencing factors in adolescent school going children in a rural area in Kerala. Research methodology: Height and weight were measured and obesity was assessed using international obesity task force criteria in 173 students of 13 -18 years. Details of influencing factors obtained using a pretested questionare. Results :The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight (16%) and obesity (7%). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19% and 6% among boys and 15% and 8% among girls respectively. Among the influencing factors sleeping time and fast food were found to be significant (p=0.01). Conclusion: Increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural adolescents emphasizes the need of early recognition of excessive weight gain relative to linear growth and early intervention after an increase in weight-for-height or BMI percentiles in children and adolescents .