In the United States, people walk an average of 4 to 5 thousand steps a day. So how healthy is this amount?
Benefits of walking include stronger bones, weight control and easier weight loss, improved balance, cognitive functions, heart health, memory, mood and sleep, increased energy levels, endurance, insulin sensitivity, longevity and good cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels. reduction in blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
In one study, researchers analyzed data from more than 3,000 adults who participated in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Experts tracked participants’ step counts for a week and compared this with mortality data.
It turned out that the death rate was lower in people who walked 8,000 or more steps a day once or twice a week. These rates were almost on par with those who took the same number of steps every day. The risk of death over the next 10 years was 15% lower in this group, and 16.5% lower in those who walked 8,000 steps three to seven days a week.
The effect was the same in people who walked 8,000 steps three days a week. That is, those who walked the same amount of time four or more days a week were no longer less likely to die.
Other evidence shows that 10,000 steps a day is associated with reduced rates of death, cancer and heart disease. Another study showed that people who walked about 10,000 steps a day had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia.
The standard indicator for losing weight is 10 thousand steps per day, to improve physical fitness – from 5 thousand steps.
It has been proven that school-age children and young people benefit from walking at least 9 thousand steps a day, adults aged 18-59 – 8 thousand steps, adults aged 60 years – 6-8 thousand steps.
It is also known that 7,000 to 9,000 steps per day for men and women is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause or all-cause death.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
