Abstract
Summary: Firstly, the incidence of obesity in the United Kingdom is not accurately known at the present time. Secondly, regional studies indicate that approximately half the population is overweight. The relationship of major degrees of obesity with sudden death and angina is established. The reversibility of the rise in coronary heart disease in obese subjects after weight reduction suggests that this is an important prophylactic measure particularly in middle-aged men. Thirdly, the prospective role of exercise in preventing coronary heart disease particularly in obese subjects deserves further investigation.