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