Counting steps for health? Here's how many you really need
Summary
New research finds that walking around 7,000 steps a day can significantly improve health and lower the risk of disease. This number is less than the previously popular target of 10,000 steps, which was based on a marketing campaign rather than scientific studies. The study shows that taking more steps generally leads to more health benefits, but after 7,000 steps, the extra benefits lessen.Key Facts
- Research suggests that 7,000 daily steps can lower the risk of dying by nearly 50% compared to those who walk 2,000 steps a day.
- Increasing steps from 2,000 to 4,000 a day can lower the risk of dying by about 36%.
- The chance of developing various diseases also decreases with more steps: cancer by 25%, type 2 diabetes by 14%, and cardiovascular disease by 25%.
- The 10,000 steps goal used in many devices originated from a promotional campaign, not scientific research.
- Health benefits continue to increase with more than 7,000 steps, but the additional gains become smaller.
- For older adults, health benefits plateau between 6,000 and 8,000 steps a day.
- Scientists reviewed data from over 160,000 adults worldwide to determine these step targets.
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