The purpose of this analysis is to compare dietary fat intake, physical activity, and body composition of Indian and Pakistani versus Caucasian premenopausal women (22 to 38 years of age). Since these ethnic groups are known to have high rates of cardiovascular disease, it is essential to determine which dietary and lifestyle risk factors are evident in these groups. As part of a larger study comparing health indices between these two distinct ethnic groups, we are reporting preliminary results. Mean intakes from seven-day dietary records (analyzed via Nutritionist IV), daily energy expenditure from seven-day physical activity recalls (the Five-City Project instrument), and percent body fat (via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) of eight Indian/Pakistani (six omnivores, one lacto-ovo vegetarian, one lacto-vegetarian) and eight Caucasian (six omnivores, two lacto-ovo vegetarians) healthy non-smokers were compared using unpaired t-tests (two-tailed, p < 0.05). Among a wide range of factors tested, there were significant differences in mean values (±SD) between Indian/Pakistani versus Caucasian women for % of Kcal from fat (35.6±8.0 vs 28.8±4.2), % of Kcal from polyunsaturated fat (11.0± 2.1 vs 5.4±1.1), Kcal expenditure per day (1886±252 vs 2363±420), and waist-to-hip ratio (0.81±0.04 vs 0.76±0.03), respectively. Percent body fat for both ethnic groups (Indians/Pakistanis = 39.4±7.8 and Caucasians = 33.8±6.9) was higher than what is currently recommended for premenopausal women. Results of this analysis indicate that the Indian and Pakistani women had significantly higher % of Kcal from fat and polyunsaturated fat, lower daily energy expenditures, and greater waist-to-hip ratios than the Caucasian women. In contrast, mean Kcal intakes were not significantly different between Indians/Pakistanis (1851±485) and Caucasians (1792±310). The only other nutrient intakes that were statistically different between these two ethnic groups were % of Kcal from protein (Caucasians = 16.1±3.3 versus Indians/Pakistanis = 12.4±2.4) and alcohol, since none of the Indian/Pakistani women consumed alcohol. The combination of a high fat diet, a high % body fat, and a high waist-to-hip ratio (> 0.80) among the Indian/Pakistani women is indicative of an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Contrary to the popular perception that the Indian/Pakistani cuisine is necessarily heart-healthy, these preliminary results suggest that this may not always be the case. This analysis indicates that although the Indian/Pakistani women may have a polyunsaturated fat intake that is closer to current guidelines than that of the Caucasians, their fat consumption is well above the goals of Healthy People Year 2000. In conclusion, dietetic practitioners should be aware of ethnic food practices and encourage all ethnic groups to consume less fat and participate in aerobic exercise to lessen the risk for cardiovascular disease.