Overview

• A University of Sydney–led meta-analysis in The Lancet Public Health reviewed 57 studies from 2014 to 2025 across more than ten countries using pedometers and accelerometers
• Walking 7,000 steps per day was linked to a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality, matching the benefits observed at 10,000 steps
• The analysis found a 38% lower risk of dementia and a 25% drop in cardiovascular disease incidence with a 47% reduction in related deaths at 7,000 steps
• Compared with very low activity, 7,000 steps daily also corresponds to a 37% decrease in cancer mortality and a 22% reduction in depressive symptoms
• Study authors Melody Ding and Katherine Owen say gains plateau beyond 7,000 steps and recommend shifting focus from fixed targets to achievable, progress-oriented movement goals