Measuring Body Mass Index (BMI) is valuable since it is related to a person’s percent body fat as well as future health risks. In adolescents, BMI-for-age is utilized as a guide to determine an individual’s nutritional status (underweight, at-risk of overweight, and overweight). BMI-for-age is defined by the CDC as the 85th percentile for at-risk for overweight and the 95th percentile for overweight. There have been conflicting differences in the literature regarding BMI in various minority groups. Several studies have indicated Hispanics are at a greater risk for obesity, while others have indicated African-Americans. Current studies have indicated that an increasing number of adolescents are overweight. Research has also shown that overweight adolescents, especially minorities, tend to become overweight and obese adults and therefore, it is critical to understand the relation of BMI in this population. Studying only overweight adolescents (³ 95th percentile) may not reveal the comorbidity dangers that face the at-risk of overweight group. Based on the CDC guidelines, this study combined the 85th and 95th percentiles and investigated them as one group. The purpose of this study was to determine if physical activity, ethnicity, and gender are determinants for at-risk of overweight and overweight in adolescents who fall above the 85th percentile. A total of 322 (m= 138; f=184) minority adolescents (14-18 yrs. old) were included in the study. There were 235 Hispanic (m=108; f=127) and 87 African American (m=22; f=65). The number of students classified above the 85th percentile was 140 (43%). Physical activity was determined using the NASA/Johnson Physical Activity Scale. A regression analysis was conducted to determine the significance of each of the variables in contributing to overweight (³85th percentile) in minority adolescents. The model (R2=.206) revealed that physical activity (â=-.440; p<.0001) and gender (â=.756; p=.005) were significant. However, ethnicity (â=.053; p=.848) was not significant. In this population males are 2.13 times more likely to become overweight than females. Also, by increasing one’s physical activity it decreases the chance of becoming overweight by 36%. These results support the established body of literature linking higher levels of physical activity to lower levels of body composition. It should be noted that this research supports the growing concern of higher body composition levels in adolescents at or above the 85th percentile. These individuals may face comorbidity problems such as type II diabetes and heart disease.Keyword(s): exercise/fitness, physical activity, wellness/disease prevention