Scientists say you don’t need 10,000 steps a day. Here’s how many to do instead
New research suggests that walking 7,000 steps a day can support overall health
- A new study suggests that walking 7,000 steps daily can significantly reduce the risk of various serious illnesses, presenting a more attainable goal than the widely publicized 10,000-step target.
- Led by academics from the University of Sydney, the research examined data from dozens of global studies, including those in the UK, involving tens of thousands of adults.
- Individuals consistently achieving 7,000 steps daily showed a 25% lower risk of heart disease, a 14% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, a 38% decrease in dementia, and a 22% reduction in depression.
- The study also found that walking 7,000 steps a day was associated with a 47% lower likelihood of death during follow-up periods compared to 2,000 steps, and a 37% lower chance of cancer death.
- While 10,000 steps per day still offer greater health advantages, experts noted that even modest step counts provide benefits, with 7,000 steps being a realistic and clinically meaningful target for many.