Abstract: Objective To investigate the correlation between physical activity and physical health in adolescents of Shanghai and provide theoretical basis for developing recommendations for adolescent physical activities. Methods Physical activity was assessed by means of questionnaire among 1 378 Shanghai adolescents, whose BMI, vital capacity and cardiopulmonary function were measured. Results Energy expenditure for moderate intensity physical activity in adolescents was 3 427.86-5 170.29 kJ per week (male) and 3 853.55-5 465.79 kJ per week(female); Energy expenditure for vigorous activity was 3 404.73-7 724.49 kJ per week (male)and 1 861.41-5 641.72 kJ per week (female). Adolescents of both sexes with sedentary activities during leisure time ≥ 2h were overweight and their obesity incidence obviously was higher than those with sedentary activities during leisure time <2h. There was significant difference found in correlation between energy consumption (for MPA or VPA)and BMI, vital capacity and endurance levels. Conclusion Currently Shanghai adolescent physical activity has reached internationally recommended levels for physical activity patterns, but there are gender differences in this regard; the longer the sedentary activity during leisure time was, the more possible obesity occurred; and there is a dose-response relationship between different intensity of physical activity and fitness.