Poor diet (high consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fat, etc) and unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol
consumption and physical inactivity) have been identified as major risk factors of cardiovascular
disease and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are the leading causes of death globally,
killing more people each year than all other causes combined. This study was conducted to assess the
dietary pattern, lifestyle, nutrition status and prevalence of hypertension among traders in Sokoto,
Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 390 traders selected by multistage
sampling technique from November to December, 2012. Anthropometric and blood pressure
measurements were done for the participants, together with questionnaire administration. High
prevalence of unhealthy eating habits was recorded among the participants; 50.7% eat their largest
meal at dinner, 49.9% eat snacks everyday, 66.7% eat fatty foods, 27.1% and 33.0% drink fruit juice and
carbonated drinks, respectively thrice weekly or more, 56.0 and 58.8% eat fruits and vegetables,
respectively less than thrice in a week or not at all. Also, 50.7% live a sedentary lifestyle, 5.2% currently
smoke cigarette and 10.8% had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. Similarly, the prevalence of
overweight (28.9%), obesity (28.1%) and hypertension (29.1%) was high among the participants. This
study demonstrated high prevalence of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle; together with high
prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension among traders in Sokoto. Health education and
other interventions to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyle, especially among high risk groups
are suggested.