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Purpose:To investigate the association between adiposity and pedometry-assessed ambulation in a convenience sample of adult, rural black South African women.Methods:Pedometry data were collected over 7 days in 121 subjects. Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage body fat (PBF).Results:Sedentarism (<5000 steps day−1) was found in 13.7%, while 39.7% were classified as accruing sufficient physical activity (10 000 steps day−1). Significant associations (P<0.02) existed between steps day−1 and adiposity measures (r=−0.22 to −0.23). After adjusting for age, only BMI remained significantly associated with steps day−1 (r=−0.20, P=0.032). Significant age-adjusted linear trends were found across combined BMI–WC risk categories for steps day−1 (P=0.036). Adjusting for age, motor vehicle access, education, use of tobacco products and comorbidities, BMI decreased 1.4 kg m−2 per 5000 steps day−1 (P=0.035), access to a motor vehicle within the household increased PBF by 4% (P=0.018), and compared with sedentarism, the risk of obesity (BMI 30 kg m−2) was 52% lower at 10 000 steps day−1 (P=0.028).Conclusion:Modest associations were found between adiposity and ambulation. Ambulation decreased the risk for obesity, while motor vehicle access was associated with increased adiposity levels.International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 1327–1330; doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.26; published online 11 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]