Study Reveals New Number Of Daily Steps You Need To Stay Healthy

By iHeartRadio

July 24, 2025

asian woman running in a park, closeup on the shoes
Photo: Kilito Chan / Moment / Getty Images

A recent analysis suggests that walking 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of death and various diseases.The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, reviewed 31 studies to examine the impact of daily step counts on health. The findings indicate that individuals who walk 7,000 steps daily have a 47% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who take only 2,000 steps.

Dr. Melody Ding, the lead author of the study and a professor of public health at the University of Sydney, stated that aiming for 7,000 steps is a practical goal for improving health. The research also showed a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 38% lower risk of dementia among those who met the 7,000-step benchmark.

While many people aim for 10,000 steps a day, this number originated from a Japanese marketing campaign rather than scientific evidence, according to CNN. Dr. Sean Heffron from New York University Langone Health emphasized that moving more is crucial for good health, regardless of the exact step count. Cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati highlighted that physical activity improves muscular strength, lowers blood pressure, and enhances cholesterol levels.

For those who find 7,000 steps daunting, starting with any increase in movement can provide health benefits. The study encourages incorporating more physical activity into daily routines, such as taking short walks or engaging in enjoyable activities like dancing or gardening.

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