For the first time experts looked at the combination of five high-risk lifestyles to understand their overall impact. The measures take in alcohol consumption, smoking, low fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and obesity.
They are identified among the nine risk factors responsible for 35% of all cancer deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
In high income countries, these five risk factors have also been estimated to account for around 90% of the total burden of disease. The impact on Scotland was set out in a comprehensive study of thousands of people.
The report, published by the Scottish Government, found that 15% of over-16s are overweight, do not meet physical activity guidelines and eat fewer than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
One in ten adults have that combination, and drink too much alcohol. The report added: "The fact that low fruit and vegetable consumption appears in all of the top five risk combinations is obviously a reflection of the high prevalence of adults in Scotland who do not meet the five-a-day recommendation."
Only 2% of adults in Scotland had none of the risks, while just 4% had all five. But most Scots - at 59% - had at least three of the risks.
The survey was compiled with the assistance of 7245 adults and 1793 children. It covers general health, dental health, alcohol consumption, smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, obesity, respiratory health and heart disease.
Overall, the findings showed three-quarters of adults think their health is good or very good. The proportion of people drinking in excess of weekly limits declined between 2003 and last year from 33% to 27% of men and from 23% to 18% of women.
There was no significant change in the proportion of adults or children consuming the recommended five-a-day. Only 12% boys and 13% of girls met the guideline in 2010.
And there was little change in the levels of physical activity. Almost one-third of boys and girls did not have a "healthy" body weight - over or under the acceptable range.
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: "These findings underline the importance of our bold, ongoing actions to improve Scotland's health as a nation and to reduce the number of people living with multiple health risks.
"We are tackling obesity through an action plan to help people make healthy choices and support families who are struggling with their weight, while we are collaborating with the food industry to make catering and retail environments healthier."
He said the Government will deliver 100 "community sports hubs" across council areas by 2014. Other actions include the proposal to set a minimum price for alcohol and encourage more people to stop smoking.