The effect of vigorous physical activity at work on serum lipids with a special reference to serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Serum lipid concentrations of lumberjacks whose occupational physical activity is most vigorous were compared with those of electricians. The lumberjacks had significantly higher serum HDL-cholesterol and significantly lower triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations but there were no significant differences in total cholesterol levels. The favourable effect of vigorous physical activity at work on lipid metabolism is, however, epidemiologically not seen, obviously due to negative risk factors in lumberjacks' life.