The prevalence of overweight among adolescents has nearly tripled in the past two decades. NHANES IV data indicate 30.4% of adolescents ages 12-19 years are overweight with higher rates reported for Hispanics (H) and African Americans (AA). Obesity increases the risk of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common measure of weight status using proportion of height to weight. In adolescents, BMI-for-age is used (underweight, at-risk of overweight, and overweight) with the 85th percentile (at-risk for overweight) and the 95th percentile (overweight). Research has also shown that overweight adolescents, especially minorities, tend to become overweight and obese adults; therefore, it is critical to understand the relation of BMI and body satisfaction in this population. This study collapsed at risk for overweight and overweight adolescents together for examination. The purpose of this study was to determine whether being overweight influences their opposite sex body type preference. It was hypothesized that students would prefer a body type similar to their own. A total of 371 students (males=163 and females=208) from five urban high schools in large southeastern city participated in the study. The ethnic breakdown was 24.8% Black (n=92) and 75.2% Hispanic (n=279). Using the CDC age- and gender-specific guidelines, 43.7% (n=162) of the students were at risk for overweight and overweight. BMI was determined using height and weight in a standard Lohman protocol and opposite sex body preference was determined using the Stunkard Figural Rating Scale. A Pearson's correlation yielded (r=.112, p=.030). While significant, it was not a strong correlation (Kendall, 1990) with only 9% of the variability of body type preference predicted from the relation to personal BMI. Still it warrants investigation into the concept that as an individual gets larger as reflected by BMI, the more they prefer larger people of the opposite sex. The obesity issue is multifaceted and exploring it from a psychosocial perspective could give insight into more complex determinants. Future research should delve more closely into the whys (i.e., motivation) of the findings and the implications of larger people choosing similar body types of the opposite sex. The physical and mental concerns are highlighted in the fact that research has demonstrated an overweight adolescent is more likely to remain overweight throughout adulthood. In addition, overweight partners may not be as concerned with their own weight to motivate each other to change. Keyword(s): high school issues, research, wellness/disease prevention