Daily walk of approximately 7,000 steps, as indicated by a study in The Lancet, contributes positively to overall health
In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Public Health on July 24, 2022, researchers have proposed a revised daily step count recommendation for maintaining health and well-being. Contrary to the traditional 10,000 steps per day goal, the new recommendation suggests around 7,000 steps per day as a more achievable and beneficial target.
The study, which analyzed data from 57 studies, concludes that moderate walking can help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Walking 7,000 steps a day can lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, strengthen the heart, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms, and cancer-related deaths.
The findings on the reduction in dementia risk are based on only two studies, but they still highlight the potential benefits of regular walking. People who walk 5km have a 47% lower risk of death compared to those who only walk 2,000 steps (around 1.3km). However, no significant difference was found between someone who walks 10,000 steps and someone who walks 7,000 steps in terms of fall risk, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular mortality.
The study's findings should be nuanced due to the factors of less fragile individuals and better diet contributing to well-being. Melody Ding, the lead author of the study, stated that there is no evidence for the 10,000 steps recommendation. Dr. Joshua Knowles, a cardiologist at Stanford Health Care, further emphasised the importance of walking 7,000 steps a day, stating that it is as important as taking medication.
Experts recommend varying the pace during daily walks and choosing a route with inclines and hills for physical effort. Paris is even experimenting with new outdoor fitness machines to encourage its residents to exercise.
In summary, aiming for 7,000 steps a day is the evidence-based recommendation emerging from the largest and most comprehensive review to date, promoting significant improvements in longevity and reduction of chronic disease risks.
Science and health-and-wellness are inexplicably linked through walking, as a revised daily step count recommendation of 7,000 steps has been proposed for maintaining health and well-being, according to a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Public Health. This fitness-and-exercise regimen can lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, strengthen the heart, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms, and cancer-related deaths.
