Archive · 24 Jul 2025
7,000 Steps a Day Linked to Lower Health Risks, Lancet Study Finds
A new study says walking about 7,000 steps a day is really good for you!
Researchers looked at lots of studies with many adults and found that this amount of walking helps people live longer and reduces the chances of getting sick.
It lowers the risks of heart problems, diabetes, memory issues, feeling sad, cancer, and falling down.
Although 10,000 steps is sometimes recommended, the scientists think that 7,000 steps is a more realistic goal for many people to stay healthy.
Walking around 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of early death and serious health conditions.
The study analyzed 57 studies with over 160,000 adults worldwide.
Compared to 2,000 steps daily, 7,000 steps are associated with a 47% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
7,000 steps also lower risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, cancer, and falls.
Researchers suggest 7,000 steps might be a more achievable target than the commonly promoted 10,000 steps.
- Who
- Researchers from Australia, the UK, and the US led the study.
- What
- A study indicates that walking around 7,000 steps a day reduces the risk of death and serious health conditions.
- When
- The study was published in July 2025 and reviewed data from studies between 2014 and early 2025.
- Where
- The research analyzed studies from around the world.
- Why
- To provide evidence that a moderate daily step count is linked to improved health outcomes.
Expert Opinion
General Consensus
Step Goal
Expert Opinion
Some experts believe that 10,000 steps is the ideal, particularly for those more active.
General Consensus
Other experts suggest 7,000 steps is a more realistic and impactful target for the general public.
- Study Title
- Daily steps and health outcomes in adults – a systematic review and dose response meta analysis
- Step Count Target
- Approximately 7,000 steps per day
- Participants
- Over 160,000 adults
- Mortality Risk Reduction (7,000 steps vs 2,000)
- 47%
- Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction
- 25%
- Diabetes Risk Reduction
- 14%
- Dementia Risk Reduction
- 38%