(bmi 30 kg/m2) in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2019 among 18,714 young adults in total, and evaluated the associated socio-demographic factors from the 2016 survey, using logistic regression model. results: the preliminary study findings showed that from 1996 to 2019, overweight in women increased from 1.5% to 17.0%, and obesity from 0.1% to 3.4%. for men, overweight rose from 14.4% to 16.6%, and obesity from 1.3% to 2.5% from 2012 to 2019. higher age was associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity compared to a younger age. men were less likely to have overweight (aor: 0.68, ci: 0.53-0.88) and obesity (aor: 0.42, ci: 0.23-0.78) compared to women. moreover, urban residents had higher odds of having obesity (aor: 2.35, ci: 1.25-4.44) compared to rural residents. conclusions: overweight and obesity have rising trends among young adults in nepal. older age, female and urban residence were associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity. therefore, the interventions targeted to the risk groups can help in curbing the increasing obesity trends in nepal. key messages: the information on trends and the factors associated with overweight and obesity may help to identify needs and opportunities to halt the rising obesity trend and prevent risk factors. the study findings can guide in formulating a national strategy to combat overweight and obesity among nepalese youths