Walking 8,500 Steps Daily May Help Maintain Weight Loss, Study Finds
A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (May 12–15) suggests that walking approximately 8,500 steps per day is associated with maintaining weight loss following a diet. The research was conducted by scientists at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy.
Study Methodology
The review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, analyzed multiple clinical trials involving approximately 4,000 participants.
- Within these trials, 1,987 individuals took part in lifestyle modification programs that included dietary recommendations and step tracking.
- The remaining 1,771 participants were either dieting alone or receiving no treatment.
At the start of the trials, both groups averaged about 7,200 steps per day.
Key Findings
Weight Loss Phase: The lifestyle modification group increased their daily steps to an average of 8,454. Over approximately 8 months, this group lost an average of 4.39% of their body weight (about 4 kg).
Maintenance Phase: During a subsequent 10-month weight maintenance phase, the lifestyle group averaged 8,241 steps per day and retained most of the lost weight.
Control Group: The group that did not receive lifestyle interventions did not increase their step count or lose weight.
Correlation: Researchers noted that a higher step count was associated with better weight maintenance. However, more steps did not necessarily correlate with greater initial weight loss; other factors such as calorie deficit and exercise type were also cited as relevant.
"Increasing daily steps to 8,500 is a simple and affordable strategy to prevent weight regain." — Marwan El Ghoch, study co-author
Context and Commentary
According to a press release, study co-author Marwan El Ghoch stated that increasing daily steps to 8,500 is "a simple and affordable strategy to prevent weight regain." El Ghoch also noted that approximately 80% of individuals with overweight or obesity regain some or all weight within three to five years after an initial loss.
Broader Background on Obesity
Obesity rates are projected to reach 30% globally by 2035, according to the World Obesity Atlas. Obesity has been linked to various medical conditions, increased healthcare costs, and higher risks of serious infections.
- The World Health Organization's Europe target to halt adult obesity increase at 2010 levels by 2025 was not met by any European country; rates have risen 138% since 1975.
- The 2022-2030 Non-Communicable Diseases Action Plan aims for a 30% relative reduction in mean body mass index by 2030.