Meta-Analysis Identifies 7,000 Daily Steps as Realistic Target for Health Gains
AUSTRALIA, JUL 24 – Walking 7,000 steps daily reduces risk of death by 47% and lowers chances of heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and depression, according to University of Sydney-led research.
- Researchers published a study on July 23, 2025, in The Lancet Public Health analyzing 57 studies involving over 160,000 adults worldwide.
- The study challenges the common 10,000-step goal, which originated from a Japanese marketing campaign, suggesting a lower step count suffices for many people.
- The findings show that walking 7,000 steps daily linked to a 47% lower risk of premature death and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and depression.
- Physical activity epidemiologist Borja del Pozo Cruz noted that although many people aim for 10,000 steps daily, this target is not strongly supported by scientific evidence and recommended focusing on a more attainable step count.
- The study suggests recommending 7,000 steps daily could improve public health by encouraging sustainable activity, while 10,000 steps remains viable for more active individuals.
216 Articles
216 Articles
The recommendation of 10,000 steps taken every day to maintain a good health status is greater than the minimum necessary. It seems that only 7,000 steps per day are sufficient. So we can prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes...
7,000 steps a day could protect from a range of health issues
Credit: filadendron / E+ / Getty Images Plus. Analysis of data from more than 50 studies suggests that reaching 7,000 steps a day offers similar health benefits to the standard 10,000 steps target. The analysis reviewed studies from countries including Australia, USA, UK and Japan, published between 2014 and 2025. The analysis, published in the Lancet Public Health, looked at several impacts including the risk of developing cancers, type 2 diabe…
“The biggest gains take place at the 7,000 steps from which they are intended to stabilize”
According to the study, by increasing from 2,000 to 7,000 steps, the equivalent of more than or less than five kilometres, the risk of premature death is reduced by almost half (47%) for all causes.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium