How many steps you should take every single day to lose weight

How many steps should you take each day to lose weight? Recent research suggests that 8,600 is the magic number.

Study by the US National Institutes of Health Over four years, more than 6,000 people were followed. The results showed that adults who walk at least 8,600 steps per day can prevent weight gain.

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Data shows that adults tend to gain weight progressively through middle age – and every year the average person gains between one to two pounds.

Although it may seem low, this number can add up and eventually lead to obesity.

The study also included lifestyle, diet, sleep habits and other factors.

Participants were given activity trackers that they had to wear for at least 10 hours per day. Researchers analyzed this information over many years.

The study found that people who watched television for more than five hours per day and slept less than six hours a night were more likely to be overweight.

And those with healthy eating patterns – a high-fibre, low-fat diet – were statistically less likely to gain weight, and more likely to see a decrease in waist circumference when combined with the 8,600 steps.

Watch: Exercises and Study Links with Improved Processing Speed

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The study revealed that the risk for developing hypertension and diabetes also plateaued after 8,000 to 9,000 steps – meaning that walking has great benefits for preventing chronic diseases and conditions.

Higher steps can lower blood sugar and insulin resistance, which reduces the risk of developing diabetes.

Acid reflux and sleep apnea are well-received by weight loss. This can lower pressure on the stomach and throat.

Exercise is well-known to be a mood-booster as well as a treatment for depression.

This research confirms previous studies that suggested walking faster is as beneficial for your health than taking in a lot of steps per day.

Learn more How fast you walk is more important than doing 10,000 daily steps

Unsure how many steps you’re notching up a day? You can find many activity trackers that will help.

Being kind to yourself is the most important aspect of tracking your steps. There will be days when you don’t reach your goal, and days when you exceed it.

8600 steps is a reasonable goal to aim for. However, if you aren’t achieving it consistently, you might need to reevaluate your goals. Research shows that all movement adds up and the more you do, the better.

Learn more Top-rated fitness trackers to help you reach your goals