A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that just 7,000 steps per day can significantly reduce the risk of multiple health outcomes:
- All-cause mortality: ~47% lower risk
- Dementia: ~38% lower risk
- Cardiovascular disease: ~25% lower risk
- Depression: ~22% lower risk
- Cancer: ~6% lower risk
These findings are based on data from over 16,000 people who wore step-counters and were followed for more than ten years. The researchers emphasise that unlike the popular target of 10,000 steps (which lacks a strong evidence base), 7,000 steps is a realistic, science-based threshold with large health benefits.
As researcher Melody Ding put it: “Any increase in daily steps, even modest ones, delivers health benefits.”
