The link between a sedentary lifestyle and poorer health outcomes is well-established in scientific research. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified physical inactivity as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths each year. This is more than deaths caused by smoking, alcohol use, and obesity combined.
Numerous studies back the health advantages of walking, but the question remains: What’s the daily step count required to maintain good health?
A recent study challenges the longstanding belief that 10,000 steps a day is the ideal requirement for fitness and well-being. Instead, it suggests that fewer than 4,000 steps could still yield positive effects.
For investigation, scientists at the Medical University of Lodz in Poland utilized data from 17 prior studies involving 226,889 people around the world. These individuals were tracked for an average of seven years to evaluate the health effects of varying daily step counts.
The comprehensive analysis revealed that a count as low as 4,000 steps was enough to start reducing the risk of premature death from any cause. Furthermore, just over 2,300 steps were found to benefit cardiovascular health and blood vessels.
Greater engagement led to increased health benefits!
Each additional 1,000 steps beyond the initial 4,000 led to a 15% reduction in the risk of premature mortality, extending up to a threshold of 20,000 steps.
The advantages of walking extended to all genders and age groups, irrespective of geographic location. However, the most substantial benefits were evident among individuals under the age of 60.
