The relationships of gallstones and the postcholecystectomy state with serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, glucose tolerance, and obesity were examined in male officials of the Self-Defense Forces in northern Kyushu, Japan. The study population had rather low rates of gallstones (2%) and prior cholecystectomy (3%). A strong relationship between obesity and gallstones was confirmed. Glucose intolerance was associated with the risk of gallstones independent of obesity. No relation between gallstones and either serum total cholesterol or triglycerides after adjustment for obesity and glucose tolerance was evident. However, the serum concentration of total cholesterol among men having had a cholecystectomy was less than that of those without gallstones.