Although a truncal distribution of adipose tissue in adults is associated with several metabolic complications, its importance in early life has received little attention. The relation of several anthropometric measures to serum concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins was therefore examined in 361 children who were between ages 6 and 18 y. (Children had been selected previously because of extreme levels of very-low-density- and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol.) Analyses revealed two groups of anthropometric variables: truncal measures (waist circumference and subscapular, subcostal, and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses) and thickness of peripheral skinfolds (femoral, triceps, calf, and biceps). After generalized obesity was adjusted for children with high concentrations of both cholesterol fractions had more truncal fat but less peripheral fat than did children with low lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. A truncal fat pattern was also associated with decreased concentrations of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1. Knowledge of fat patterning may help identify persons prone to hyperlipidemia.