Walking 7,000 steps a day may be enough to protect against multiple diseases: Study
In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet, researchers have found that walking 7,000 steps a day may be enough to significantly reduce the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases. Compared to walking just 2,000 steps a day, the study found that walking 7,000 steps a day can lower the overall risk of death by 47%, the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25%, and the risk of dying from cancer by 37%.
But that’s not all. The study also found that walking 7,000 steps a day can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 14%, dementia by 38%, and depression by 22%. These findings have significant implications for public health, highlighting the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily routine.
The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and published in The Lancet, analyzed data from over 12,000 adults aged 40-85 years. The participants were asked to wear activity trackers for a week and provide information about their health and lifestyle. The researchers then compared the health outcomes of those who walked fewer than 2,000 steps a day to those who walked 7,000 steps a day or more.
The results were striking. Compared to those who walked fewer than 2,000 steps a day, those who walked 7,000 steps a day or more had a significantly lower risk of developing chronic diseases. The study found that for every 1,000 steps walked per day, the risk of death decreased by 6%, the risk of cardiovascular disease decreased by 3%, and the risk of dying from cancer decreased by 2%.
The study also found that walking 7,000 steps a day or more was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, dementia, and depression. The researchers found that for every 1,000 steps walked per day, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes decreased by 2%, the risk of developing dementia decreased by 2%, and the risk of developing depression decreased by 1%.
So, what makes walking 7,000 steps a day so beneficial? The researchers believe that regular physical activity can help to improve overall health by reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting healthy blood flow. They also suggest that physical activity may help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health. The World Health Organization recommends that adults aim to walk at least 10,000 steps per day, but the study’s findings suggest that walking 7,000 steps a day may be enough to have a significant impact on health.
So, what can you do to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine? Here are a few tips:
- Take a daily walk: Whether it’s around the block, through the park, or to the office, make sure to incorporate a daily walk into your routine.
- Take the stairs: Instead of taking the elevator, opt for the stairs whenever possible.
- Park further away: When out and about, try parking in a spot that’s further away from your destination. This will give you more opportunities to walk and get those steps in.
- Take a walk during your lunch break: If you work from home or have a desk job, make sure to take a walk during your lunch break. This can help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are clear: walking 7,000 steps a day may be enough to protect against multiple chronic diseases. By incorporating more physical activity into our daily routine, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing chronic diseases and improve our overall health and wellbeing.
Source:
Indian Express. (2023). New Lancet study: 7,000 daily steps may be enough to prevent chronic diseases, cognitive decline, death. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/new-lancet-study-7000-daily-steps-chronic-diseases-cognitive-decline-death-daily-goals-10145763/lite/
