Walking 7,000 Steps Daily Cuts Death, Disease Risk Globally

New research challenges the popular 10,000 steps per day target by showing that walking 7,000 steps daily can provide significant health benefits, including a 47% lower risk of death from any cause and reduced risks of heart disease, dementia, depression, type 2 diabetes, and falls. The study, led by the University of Sydney and published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data from over 160,000 adults across 57 global studies and found that even lower step counts, such as 4,000 steps per day, offer measurable health improvements compared to very low activity levels. While 10,000 steps remain beneficial for more active individuals, the findings suggest 7,000 steps may be a more realistic and achievable target for many, with each additional 1,000 steps providing further protection. Notably, walking more steps was linked to a 37% lower risk of death from cancer, although step count did not affect cancer incidence. Experts emphasize that step count alone does not capture exercise quality or intensity but agree that increasing daily walking is beneficial for overall physical and mental health. This research helps debunk the myth that 10,000 steps are necessary and supports setting attainable goals to encourage physical activity across diverse populations.