Study Finds 8,600 Steps Daily May Provide Weight Management Benefits

Incorporating movement into the day on a regular basis is important for helping maintain good health. According to a recent study, taking 8.600 steps daily may provide weight management benefits.

The researchers used data from 6,042 adults who took part in the All of Us Research Program. They had an average age of 56 and an average BMI of 28.1. Participants linked their Fitbit devices to their electronic health records and researchers were able to access the records for 5 years.

The researchers found that participants who were not overweight and increased daily steps from 2,750 steps to 8,600 steps daily had a 36% reduced risk of obesity compared to those who took 2,750 steps daily.

Overweight participants who took 11,000 steps daily were able to reduce the risk of becoming obese by 50%.

The researchers also found that participants who took 8,200 steps daily had a reduced risk of sleep apnea, acid reflux, and major depressive disorder.

The study was conducted by researchers from Vanderbilt University. It was published online ahead of print on October 10, 2022 in the journal nature medicine.

A previous study found that taking 7,000 steps daily may help reduce the risk of premature death.