Overview

• The Lancet Public Health study published July 24 pooled data from 57 studies covering 160,000 participants to identify an optimal daily step count
• Achieving 7,000 daily steps was linked to nearly a 50% reduction in premature mortality compared to walking just 2,000 steps
• Daily walks of 7,000 steps corresponded with a 38% lower dementia risk, a 22% drop in depression and a 14% lower diabetes risk
• Researchers found that health gains increase up to 7,000 steps and plateau beyond that threshold, indicating diminishing returns at higher counts
• Experts are calling on public health agencies to revise step-count guidelines and highlight emerging evidence on reductions in cancer and fall risks