Objective To investigate the nutritional status and lifestyle of students aged 12 to 16 in rural Wuling Mountain District and analyze the influencing factors. Methods A total of 650 students aged 12 to 16 in 5 rural primary and secondary schools in Wuling Mountain District were randomly selected to conduct physical examination and questionnaire survey,and the possible influencing factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results The detection rates of malnutrition and obesity among 650 students were 3.84% and 12.62%,respectively.Malnutrition detection rate of male students was higher than that of female students (7.20% VS 0.90%) χ²=17.615,P＜0.05),and the detection rate of overweight-obesity in female students was higher than that in male students (17.40% VS 10.50%) (χ²=6.342,P＜0.05).The detection rate of malnutrition in primary school was higher than that of junior middle school (5.58% VS 0.84%) (χ²=9.173,P＜0.05),the detection rate of overweight-obesity in junior middle school was higher than that in primary school (18.49% VS 11.65%) (χ²=5.803,P＜0.05).Parental support for physical exercise (OR=0.407,95% CI:0.210~0.788) were the protective factors of malnutrition,male students (OR=8.169,95%CI:2.365~28.218),feel tired and sweaty in physical education class (OR= 2.372,95% CI:1.181~4.765) were risk factors for malnutrition in the region.In addition,male students (OR=0.578,95% CI:0.349 to 0.957) was a protective factor for overweight obesity,and drinking milk regularly (OR=1.501,95%CI:1.099~2.049),the absence of physical testing (OR=1.838,95% CI:0.996~3.390) were risk factors for overweight-obesity in the region. Conclusion Malnutrition and overweight-obesity among rural students aged 12 to 16 in Wuling Mountain should be focused on and effective intervention measures in a timely manner should be adopted.