7,000 Steps a Day Linked to Significant Health Benefits, Study Finds
Reaching 7,000 steps daily is associated with substantial improvements in cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, according to new research published today.
The study, led by Professor Melody Ding from the School of Public Health, revealed that 7,000 steps is a more attainable goal than the often-cited 10,000 steps, while still delivering comparable health outcomes. “Aiming for 7000 steps is a realistic goal based on our findings, which assessed health outcomes in a range of areas that hadn’t been looked at before,” Professor Ding stated. Even smaller increases, such as walking from 2,000 to 4,000 steps a day, were linked to significant health gains.
Researchers found that consistently walking at least 7,000 steps per day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms. This research builds on existing knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, and offers a more accessible target for individuals struggling to meet traditional exercise guidelines – a key factor in combating rising rates of physical inactivity worldwide.
The findings suggest that promoting increased daily step counts could be a valuable public health strategy. Professor Ding added, “We know daily step count is linked to living longer, but we now also have evidence that walking at least 7000 steps a day can significantly improve eight major health outcomes.” Further research is planned to investigate the optimal step count for different populations and health conditions, as detailed in a University of Sydney news release.
Health officials say they will use these findings to refine public health recommendations and encourage more people to incorporate walking into their daily routines.
