Food intake, body mass index (BMI), serum lipids, blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were measured in the population of 2559 males aged 25-59 years employed in a foundry in Cracow in 1972-1974. Abnormal dietary habits were revealed. The share of protein in total energy intake was 11.7%, fats 37.1% and carbohydrates 51.2% (sugar 11.6%). The mean BMI was 25.3 ± 3.1 BMI above 25 was found in 44% of males under study. It has been shown that serum cholesterol, total lipids, esterified fatty acids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity were positively correlated with BMI. It is concluded that obesity prevention and treatment should be recognized as. an important method in prevention of coronary heart disease.