Objective. To study the prevalence of behavioral risk factors (dietary habits, low-intensity physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) among the population of some Russian regions differing in climatic, geographic, economic, and demographic characteristics. Material and methods. Data were obtained within the framework of the ESSE-RF study. Its participants (n=18305) were asked using the standard questionnaire. The study was approved by independent ethics committees; all the participants signed informed consent forms. Behavioral risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, low-intensity physical activity, dietary habits, were analyzed. A statistical analysis system was applied. Results and discussion. The spread of smoking was 23.5%, higher among the men (40.0% vs 12.8%), decreased with age from 29.7% among 25-34-year olds to 14.3% in 55-64-year ones. In the Russian Federation, men (6.3%) and women (3.8%) consumed moderate (73.2%) and excessive (3.8%) alcohol amounts. The prevalence of low-intensity physical activity was 38.8%; higher among women (40.8 and 36.1%); it was highest in young and middle-aged people; lower among rural dwellers than among urban ones (34.2 and 39.7%; p<0.0005). Vegetables and fruits are insufficiently eaten by 41.9% of the examinees, more frequently by men, 25-34-year-old people, and rural dwellers. Fish intake was little in 36.9% of Russia's people, more often in men (38.8% vs 34.2%; p<0.005); young and middle-aged people; the higher education the people had, the less fish they ate (p<0.005). Too much salt was consumed by 49.9% of the examinees, more commonly by men (54.2% vs 47.1%) and rural dwellers. The lowest prevalence was found in people with higher education (45.1%). Conclusion. The ESSE study could assess the prevalence of behavioral risk factors in the Russian population, determine the necessity and priorities of population prevention both at the national and regional levels, and identify target groups for preventive measures.