SYDNEY, Australia – Many adults are familiar with the common advice to strive for 10,000 steps a day to maintain good health. However, recent research suggests that even the most sedentary individuals can mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sitting by increasing their daily step count.
A study conducted by an international team of researchers found that the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, can be reduced by incorporating more steps into one’s daily routine. The link between higher step counts and a lower risk of health issues like CVD has been established, indicating that movement plays a crucial role in overall well-being.
The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 participants in the UK Biobank, concluded that taking between 9,000 and 10,000 daily steps is optimal for counteracting the effects of a highly sedentary lifestyle. Even individuals with high sedentary time can benefit from increasing their step count, with 50% of the health benefits kicking in at around 4,000 to 4,500 steps per day.
Lead researcher Matthew Ahmadi from the University of Sydney emphasized that while increasing daily steps can help offset the health risks associated with sedentary behavior, it is essential to reduce overall sedentary time as well. The findings suggest that movement of any kind is beneficial, and individuals should strive to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives to improve health outcomes.
By analyzing participants’ physical activity levels through wrist accelerometers, researchers were able to determine the optimal number of steps needed to lower the incidence of CVD and mortality risk. The study underscores the importance of staying active, especially for individuals with desk jobs or those who spend a significant amount of time sitting.
Overall, the research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights the significance of incorporating movement into daily life, regardless of one’s level of sedentary behavior. The message is clear: every step counts towards better health, and individuals should aim to increase their daily step count to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle.