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Aim. - The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors in urban-dwelling adults in Senegal to evaluate future threats to the public health in terms of chronic diseases. Methods. - Age- and gender-matched control subjects for a study on the prevalence of lipodystrophy in HIV+ patients were selected between June and September 2006 from the general population through systematic home visits guided by area of residence of cases. After consenting to participate, these subjects underwent anthropometric, clinical and biological examinations in their homes. Results. - The sample included 60 men and 106 women, mean age of 43.2 +/- 9.4 years. Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity was much higher in women (30.2 and 29.2%, respectively) vs. 23.3 and 3.4%, respectively, in men (P < 0.001), the women had lower waist-to-hip ratios (mean [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.77-0.80] vs. 0.86 [0.84-0.88] in men; P < 10(-4)) and better systolic blood pressure, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels. However, their insulin levels were significantly higher (32.1 [28.2-36.5] pmol/l vs. 25.5 [21.0-30.8] in men; P < 0.04). Principal component analysis showed that glucose and insulin correlated with subcutaneous fat, whereas blood pressure correlated with central fat distribution. Lipids were distributed between these two factors. Conclusion. - Obesity still appears to be rare in Senegalese urban-dwelling men, whereas women, despite their overweight, have no untoward cardiometabolic profiles. However, the observed correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors and the amount and/or distribution of body fat suggest that obesity prevention should not be overlooked in the public health agenda for sub-Saharan Africa.