Objective  To examine the prevalence and impact factors of overweight, obesity and central obesity among adult residents in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) and to provide references for implementing relevant interventions.

  Methods  Using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling, we conducted a questionnaire survey and physical examination among 3 600 residents aged 18 years and above in 72 urban communities or rural villages of 6 districts or counties in Ningxia from September 2013 to March 2014.

  Results  Of the 3 454 residents with valid responses, 1 253, 481, and 1 727 were identified as overweight, obesity, and central obesity, with the prevalence rate of 36.3%, 13.9%, and 50.0%, respectively. The results of unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Hui nationality, aged ≥ 45 years and living in urban area were risk factors for overweight and obesity; female gender and smoking were protective factors against overweight and obesity; while, female gender, aged ≥ 45 years and living in urban area were risk factors for central obesity and smoking was a protective factor against central obesity.

  Conclusion  Overweight, obesity and central obesity are prevalent and main influencing factors for the prevalence are aged 45 years or elder and living in urban area among adult urban and rural residents in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.