You don't need to walk 10,000 steps a day to lose weight - scientists have identified a more effective norm
Kyiv • UNN
A study has shown that 8,500 steps daily is sufficient for weight maintenance. This helps to avoid regaining kilograms after finishing a diet.
To maintain weight loss results and prevent weight regain, it is sufficient for people to walk about 8.5 thousand steps a day, rather than the traditional 10 thousand. This conclusion was reached by researchers who analyzed the results of a series of clinical trials, UNN reports with reference to Euronews.
Details
The study, presented by the European Association for the Study of Obesity, covered nearly 4,000 people. Scientists examined the results of participants in weight loss programs that combined diet with increased physical activity and step count monitoring.
It was found that participants who walked an average of 8,454 steps per day during weight loss lost about 4.4% of their body weight, or approximately 4 kilograms.
Study co-author Marwan El Ghoch from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia noted that maintaining weight after weight loss remains the biggest challenge for people with overweight and obesity.
About 80% of people with overweight or obesity who initially lose weight regain some or all of the lost weight within three to five years. Therefore, finding a strategy that helps maintain the result is of great clinical importance
According to the authors of the work, people who aim to lose weight and maintain the result should target a figure of about 8.5 thousand steps per day and maintain this level of activity after completing the diet.
Researchers note that the problem of obesity in the world continues to escalate. According to forecasts, by 2035, about 30% of the world's population will have obesity.
At the same time, excess weight is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases, and premature mortality, and also places a significant burden on healthcare systems.