Consistent evidence calls for effective preventive strategies to counteract the increasing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome prevalence in both developed and developing nations. Most patients cite their physicians (MD) as the most desirable and credible source of information regarding healthy lifestyle decisions. The impact of preventive health interventions proposed by the MD may be greater if they convey their own exercise and healthy habits to their patients. PURPOSE To determine the physical activity levels (PAL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) status of a group of Colombian MD attending the 2003 meeting of the National Cardiology Society (n = 274). METHODS The short format of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adapted for the Colombian population, was used to assess PAL. BMI was determined based on self-reported height and weight. Perception of health, physical fitness (F), demographic characteristics and medical education background (MEB) were also collected. PAL were classified as inactive (I), minimally active (MA) and health enhancing physically active (HEPA), according to the latest (April 2004) IPAQ scoring protocol based on current public health recommendations. Stratified analyses were made based on demographic and MEB variables. Chi-square T-tests were used to assess significant differences between groups. RESULTS Response rate was 34%. The sample included 83% males with a mean age of 38.2±9.1 years. Overall I, MA and HEPA were 38.2%, 22.5% and 39.3% respectively. 46.2% of the MD had a normal BMI while 45.1% were overweight (OW) and 8.7 % were obese (O). Almost all MD reported to be either in excellent (35.4%) or good (62.4%) health status and 78.1% reported to have an excellent or good F. MD reporting excellent F had 21.7% of I prevalence while 51% of those reporting average F where I. 47.8% of the MD reporting excellent F had a high BMI (OW + O) and 70% of those reporting average F had a high BMI. Prevalence of I was slightly higher for females than males (41.3% vs. 37.7%) respectively (p = 0.45). Female MD showed higher BMI's (OW+O) than males (60.1% vs. 21.7%) respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the MEB, I was 29.3 % for MD with <10 years of practice (YOP) while 44.4% for MD with > 20 YOP. CONCLUSIONS Most of the Colombian MD in our sample considered to be in good health and to have good F. Interestingly, more than one third of them did not meet the minimum PAL recommendations for the general population and more than a half had a high BMI. I prevalence was higher in MD with more YOP. Basic and continuing medical education could encourage MD to adopt healthier lifestyles and convey them to their patients in order to become more credible role models.