An age- and sex-matched case-control study was conducted to evaluate the relation of obesity and body fat distribution with the occurrence of coronary heart disease in mexicans. Obesity was measured in 150 couples by bioelectrical impedance with an EZ comp 1000 computer (body composition), and by estimating the body mass index. Skinfold anthropometry was used to assess central fat distribution. Two fat distribution indices were calculated, a ratio of central to peripheral skinfolds (central pattern) and a ratio of upper to lower body skinfolds (android pattern). Those subjects who had a percentage of body fat, by bioelectrical impedance, greater than 20%, had a 20 fold higher risk to develop acute myocardial infarction. The risk of coronary heart disease was also high in those with a central fat distribution and even higher in those with an android pattern. Both obesity and abdominal fat distribution are closely related to coronary heart disease. There is a need to promote life-styles changes and to reduce obesity, to prevent the occurrence of coronary heart disease in Mexico.