Measurement of maximal aerobic power (MAP), food intake and fatty mass (%Fat) were carried out on 104 males aged 20-49 years living in suburban, rural and moun-tainous districts as a basic research for determing successful living conditions in modern society or in future ages. Measurement of MAP was made indirectly follow-ing the method of Margaria et al. Each subject screened medically was given two different intensities of step up and down exercises, and MAP was calculated from heart rates immediately after exercises and the individual's estimated maximal heart rate. Observation of food intake was conducted by a routine qusetioning, however, checks and counterchecks were made by personal interview until reliable figures had satisfactrily been obtained. %Fat was estimated from skinfold thickness according to the method of Nagamine.
No age differences were found in MAP and 2oFat. Significant negative correlations were found between %Fat and caloric intake per kilogram of body weight per day (P<0.01) and between %Fat and MAP per kilogram of body weight per minute (P< 0.01) . A weak negative correlation was found between %Fat and caloric intake per kilogram of lean body mass per day. A significant positive correlation was found between MAP per kilogram of body weight per minute and caloric intake per kilogram of body weight per day (P<0.05) . Therefore, it is said clearly that physical inactivity rather than excessive caloric intake is associated with the development and mainte-nance of obesity.
Caloric intake and each nutrient intake of UO (Unfit Obese, MAP below 40m1/kg/ min & %Fat above 15%) group and UN (Unfit Non-obese, MAP below 40 ml/kg/min & %Fat below 15%) group were less than those of FN (Fit Non-obese, MAP above 40 ml/kg/min & %Fat below 150) group, respectively, and differences of those intakes between UO group and UN group were not significant. Mean calcium intake of UO group and UN group were less than the recommended allowance value of 10 mg/kg/ day. Both of MAP per kilogram of body weight per minute and per kilogram of lean body mass per minute of FN group were higher than those of UO group and UN group (P<0.01, respectively) . However, differences of mean MAP were not found significantly between UO group and UN group. It is considered that physical inac-tivity is not always associated with obesity, however, it is said from the health scien-tific point of view that fit non-obese man is more desirable than unfit non-obese one.

A compalative study of maximal aerobic power (MAP) with special reference to age were carried out as a basic study for determing the optimal physical load for successful living in modern society or in future ages. 169 males who have a sedentary living style profoundly affected by the motorization, 10-69 years of age, in suburban district of Fukuoka City (JAPAN) and 54 males who have a natural living style, 16-55 years of age, in rural districts of Nepal were selected as subjects. Measurement of MAP was made indirectly following to the method of Margaria et al.. Each subject were given two different intensity step up and down exercises, and MAP was calculated from heart rates immediately after exercises and individual's estimated maximal heart rate. % Fat was estimated from skinfold thickness according to the method of Nagamine.
Statistically significant correlations were found both of Japanese group (r= -0.554, P<0.001) and Nepalese group (r=0.561, P<0.001), and each regression equation etween MAP (ml/kg/min) and Age (yr) were as follows :
MAP=-0.350 Age +52.121 in the case of Japanese group.
MAP=-0.446 Age +63.395 in the case of Nepalese group.
However, difference of the regression coefficient was not significant.
Mean MAP per kilogram of body weight or per kilogram of lean body mass of every Japanese age groups wese lower than those of Nepalese groups with coincidental age, respectively. Generally, it is said that the socio-economical condition of Nepal today is a similar to that of Japan in the Meiji era. Therefore, it may be considered that modernization or urbanization have lowerd the system of Japanese people.
According to the review of literatures concerning to the living style and MAP in a evolutional and comparative point of view, it may be considerd that human races have maintained the relatively high MAP like Nepalese group today. Therefore, it is said conclusionally that the maintenance of mean MAP like Nepalese group is desirable in modern society or in future ages to prevent the degeneration of functions attributing the new health problem of modern society.