The Importance of Daily Step Count for Health

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Taking 10,000 steps a day is still a good goal for those who sit all day, as it can reduce the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. However, even achieving 4,000 to 4,500 steps a day can provide half of the benefits.

Key Points

  • Higher daily step counts linked to lower mortality and CVD risk
  • Half the benefit can be gained by reaching 4,000 to 4,500 steps a day
  • Step count is an easily measurable physical activity metric

Pros

  • Increasing daily step counts can reverse adverse health effects of prolonged sitting
  • Higher daily step counts correlate with lower risk levels of mortality and cardiovascular disease
  • Achieving between 9,000 to 10,000 steps per day optimally reduces health risks

Cons

  • Study acknowledges its observational nature and potential biases