Objective: We assessed the factors associated with dyslipidemia in children and adolescents enrolled in the public school system of the city of Salvador, Bahia. Methods: All participants were submitted to anthropometric evaluation and to cholesterol and triglyceride blood tests. Data related to food intake, physical activity and family socioeconomic and housing conditions were obtained from parents or guardians. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 25.5% (IC:95% 22.7; 28.3). We observed a significant positive association between dyslipidemia and the following factors: overweight (OR = 3.40, 95% CI 2.07 to 5.58), moderate and high intake of risk food (OR = 1.49, 95%: 1.01 to 2.19), low and moderate intake of protective foods (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.26) and lower maternal level of schooling (OR = 1.72, 95%: 1.05 to 2.26). Conclusion: Overweight, inadequate food intake and low maternal level of schooling were factors associated with dyslipidemia.