Serious malnutrition has been reported in the Republic of Guatemala, but on the other hand, increases in the number of obese subjects and chronic diseases are found in the urban region.  We conducted this study to determine the actual situation and the causes of the obesity in the residents of Coban city located in the central part of this country.  During initial survey, the physical characteristics were determined by a one-self-style questionnaire given to the adult inhabitants.  In the second survey, we determined the dietary records, physical measurements and the amount of walking by the adult inhabitants.   The obese subjects, who were more than 25 in BMI, were high in the two surveys.The ratio of obese subjects was from 39% to 46% in the two surveys.  The daily average amount of walking was moderately higher compared to recent Japanese numbers.  However, no significant correlation between the numbers and their BMI was observed.  On the other hand, as for the energy and fat intake, there was a weak correlation tendency between the BMI when men and women were put together from the diet survey.  No particular serious deficiency was seen in the intakes of vitamins and minerals.   The data presented by the international organizations reveal a serious situation of malnutrition in the Republic of Guatemala.  However, in Coban city, obese objects were common.  In the Republic of Guatemala, it was shown that the difference is present in the nutrition/health problem by their area.  Our results suggest the appropriate nutritional education for these people.