The object with the present study was to present prevalence data in a rural area in Sweden regarding overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity presented by waist circumference. The study was population-based in primary health care. The target group was aged 20 years or more. A total of 91% (n = 6,686) participated. 45% of men and 32% of women were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), 12% of men and 17% of women were obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2). The programme found among men 25.8% with a waist circumference 94-101.9 cm and 18.0% > or = 102 cm and among women 22.7% with 80.0-87.9 cm and 27.2% > or = 88 cm. The relative risk for type 2 diabetes increased with waist circumference. Making health care personnel and patients aware of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity and the risk of associated diseases and encourage a healthy life style is urgent in time of an obesity epidemic.