Objective: To compare body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in assessing obesity among college students. Methods: BMI, BF% and WHR of 1 263 college students from one university were assessed by using bioelectrical impedance method. Results: The detection rate of obesity by BMI, BF% and WHR methods was 2.06%, 24.31% and 14.09%. Prevalence of obesity by BF% method was higher than WHR method(χ2=264.27, P<0.05). Prevalence of obesity by BMI method was significantly higher in boys (4.74%) than in girls (0.50%), however, it was higher in girls than in boys by using BF% and WHR method(χ2=75.69，215.99，27.73，P<0.05). The consistency analysis showed that the kappa values of BF% method and gold standard BMI method was(0.11±0.02)(P<0.05), and that of WHR method and gold standard BMI method was(0.17±0.04)(P<0.05). Conclusion The consistency of BMI, BF% and WHR in determining obesity among college students is quite low. It is suggested that comprehensive consideration should be taken in practical application to effectively screen and prevent obesity among college students.