Introduction Major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include cardiovascular diseases, cancers and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The important risk factors identified for NCDs are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, and tobacco use. Primary prevention of risk factors, along with their early identification and management can help delay the progress of NCDs. The present study was undertaken with the objective of profiling risk-factors for NCDs in the rural population of Uttarakhand, India.

Methods 707 participants aged over 15 years were included. Behavioural risk factor profiles were obtained by interview, followed by anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessment of all the individuals.

Results 14.8% of the study population was found to be overweight or obese (BMI≥25 kg/m²) and this was twice as common in females. Using the weight hip ratio, 44.8% population was in the moderate to high risk category (male >0.96, female >0.80). Overall, 6.7% of he population was found to be hypertensive. 3.7% of the subjects had diabetes (random blood glucose >200 mg/dl). Blood cholesterol levels were >200 mg/dl (the at risk category) in 7.4% of subjects.

Conclusions Prevalence of NCD risk factors is lower than expected in the area. However, the “at risk” population is large and requires appropriate and timely action to prevent an epidemic of NCDs.