Adolescence is a unique dynamic period in life, since it is the second and last growth spurt in the life of human beings. A study has been carried out to assess the nutritional status of adolescents of Dharwad taluk. A total of 1000

adolescents (both boys and girls) of 13 to 16 years were selected from rural and urban areas of Dharwad during 2010-11. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry. The measurements including height, weight, circumferences of mid upper arm, waist and hip were recorded. Results indicated that the height of the rural and urban boys ranged from 142.92 to 152.25 cm and 148.47 to 159.44 cm, respectively and weight was 34.08 to 40.52 kg and 34.63 to 43.91 kg, respectively, at 13 to 16 years. The height of rural and urban girls ranged from 145.09 to 149.21cm and 147.52 to 151.14cm, respectively and weight ranged from 35.42 to 38.10 kg and 37.74 to 41.67 kg, respectively at 13 to 16 years. Nearly 49.8 per cent of the rural adolescents and 44 per cent of urban counterparts were in severe underweight category when BMI was considered. When waist to hip ratio was considered, around 38 per cent of girls were at risk; where as only 4.80 per cent of the boys were at risk of getting noncommunicable diseases. The results revealed that urban adolescents had better nutritional status than rural counterparts, irrespective of the age. Compared to girls, boys were better with regards to nutritional status, irrespective of locality.