You've probably heard that taking 10,000 steps is the key to optimal health, but new findings now suggest 7,000 steps may be enough to reduce the risk of health complications.
The latest findings, published in the Lancet Public Health journal, suggest a slightly more realistic target could protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and depression.
Scientists analysed health and activity data from over 160,000 adults globally to examine the relationship between step count and disease prevention.
This 7,000-step target represents a more achievable goal than the 10,000-step benchmark that has dominated public health messaging for decades.
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|7,000 steps daily may offer a 25 per cent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk
The research demonstrates that individuals who walk 7,000 steps daily experience a 25 per cent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk compared to those taking only 2,000 steps.
Mental health benefits are equally impressive, with depression risk falling by 22 per cent.
Dementia risk drops by 38 per cent amongst those achieving the 7,000-step threshold, whilst cancer risk decreases by six per cent.
The scientists acknowledge that certain statistics may be less precise due to limited study numbers in specific areas.
The investigation indicates that health improvements begin at approximately 4,000 daily steps when compared to minimal activity levels of 2,000 steps.
The 10,000-step figure that dominates fitness culture actually stems from a Japanese pedometer marketing initiative during the 1960s.
"We have this perception we should be doing 10,000 steps a day," says lead author Dr Melody Ding, "but it's not evidence-based".
The device, called manpo-kei or "10,000-step meter", was introduced before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This marketing-driven number subsequently became embedded in health recommendations worldwide.
Dr Ding explains that this target was "taken out of context" and transformed into an unofficial standard that fitness technology continues to promote, despite lacking a scientific foundation.
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GETTY | The 10,000-step figure has long dominated fitness culture
Health professionals welcome these findings as offering more practical guidance for the general population.
Dr Daniel Bailey from Brunel University London describes the research as challenging the "myth" surrounding the necessity of 10,000 daily steps.
For individuals with higher activity levels, 10,000 steps remains an appropriate target, whilst 5,000 to 7,000 steps represents a "more realistic and achievable target" for others, according to Dr Bailey.
Dr Andrew Scott from the University of Portsmouth emphasises that "more is always better" and suggests people shouldn't become fixated on reaching precise targets, particularly when circumstances restrict their activity.