Overview
- Meta-analysis of 57 studies finds that walking 7,000 steps a day is linked to a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to 2,000 steps
- Reaching 7,000 steps is also associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer mortality, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression and falls
- Health benefits level off above 7,000 steps, calling into question the 10,000-step benchmark and supporting more attainable goals
- Moderate activity of 4,000 steps per day still delivers a 36% lower risk of premature death, highlighting gains at lower thresholds
- Public health experts say adopting these evidence-based walking targets could increase activity adherence and reduce up to 8% of global noncommunicable diseases