Aussies struggling to reach their 10,000 steps a day can relax, with scientists now suggesting a lower step target will do the trick.
A new study, published in The Lancet Public Health, revealed 7000 steps a day, about 5km of walking, could reduce the risk of disease and early death.
Study co-author Professor Stuart Biddle, from the University of Southern Queensland said the findings could play a key role in shifting people’s exercising habits.
Professor Biddle said the study analysed 57 previously published studies covering 125,000 adults worldwide, making it the most comprehensive review of its kind.
He said it found that while 10,000 steps a day remained a solid goal for more active individuals, adults could still gain significant health benefits from as few as 7000 steps a day.
“Over half of Australians aren’t getting enough physical activity, often citing lack of time as the main reason for skipping regular exercise.
“And for some, the pressure to hit 10,000 steps feels so out of reach that they give up entirely, rather than adjust their target because they believe fewer steps won’t offer meaningful health benefits.”
Professor Biddle said using a meta-analysis, the researchers found that increasing the daily step count from 2000 to 7000 was linked to a significantly lower risk of several major health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia, depression, and even early death, sometimes by up to 40 percent.
He said while 7000 steps may be the new benchmark for health benefits, even modest increases in daily steps could lead to considerable improvements to overall health.
“One of the best advantages of a walking routine is that you can get your steps in almost anywhere.
“To increase your daily step count, consider opting for the stairs rather than the elevator, or parking your car further from your destination. It is important to remember that every little bit counts.”
Read the full study: Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
