You’ve probably heard, at some point in your life, that 10,000 is the golden number when it comes to daily steps. But that’s been debunked over the years. In fact, some claim it’s a marketing myth. However, more recent findings suggest that a new, slightly lower number of steps could be the key to weight management.
According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, taking 8,500 steps each day might be a major key to maintaining your figure after losing weight thanks to dieting.
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8,500 steps every day for weight loss
A team of researchers from University of Modena and Reggio Emilia studied data from nearly 4,000 adults who had participated in lifestyle and diet changes, either alone or through treatment programs. The study concluded that individuals who took 8,500 steps—while losing weight and afterwards—saw more sustainable results in keeping the weight off over time.
Participants lost around nine pounds over eight months, and those who walked 8,500 steps each day kept most of the weight off over 10 additional months. Control groups who walked around 7,200 steps a day did not lose weight.
"The most important — and greatest — challenge when treating obesity is preventing weight regain," lead researcher Marwan El Ghoch, a professor in biomedical, metabolic and neural sciences at the University of Modena told US News.
"Around 80% of people with overweight or obesity who initially lose weight tend to put some or all of it back on again within three to five years," he said. "The identification of a strategy that would solve this problem and help people maintain their new weight would be of huge clinical value."
If it's really as simple as walking 8,500 steps each day, we're ready to lace up our sneakers! Of course, physical activity is just one part of the equation. Weight management relies on a number of healthy habits. But El Ghoch calls this walking rule "a simple and affordable strategy to prevent weight gain."
The findings will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul this week.
