7,000 steps a day linked to major health benefits, study finds

A new Lancet Public Health study has found that taking as few as 7,000 steps per day is linked to significant reductions in the risk of major health outcomes, including heart disease, cancer and premature death, challenging the long-standing, unofficial 10,000-step daily target.

Published in a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, researchers analyzed data from 24 prospective cohort studies spanning eight health outcomes: all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, cognitive and mental health outcomes, physical function and falls. The study reviewed evidence from over a decade of research using device-measured step counts.

Key findings include that even modest step counts provided measurable benefits. For instance, increasing from 2,000 to 4,000 steps per day was associated with a 36% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Overall, risk reductions continued with every additional 1,000 steps per day, up to 12,000 steps.

While 10,000 steps per day was linked to the greatest risk reductions, the study found “no statistical difference between 7,000 steps per day and a higher step count for all the other outcomes.” The authors suggest 7,000 steps may be a more realistic and achievable goal for many adults, though more active individuals may still benefit from aiming higher.

Read more: The Lancet 

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.