New Delhi, July 24, 2025 – Walking 7,000 steps a day could significantly reduce the risk of dementia, depression, early death, and other health conditions, according to a major new study published in The Lancet Public Health.
The study analyzed data from 88 global studies conducted between 2014 and 2025, covering 1.6 lakh adults. It is the most comprehensive analysis to date on how step counts impact various health outcomes — extending beyond the usual focus on cardiovascular health.
Key Findings (Compared to 2,000 steps/day):
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47% lower risk of all-cause mortality
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38% lower risk of dementia
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22% lower risk of depression
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25% lower risk of heart disease
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14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
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6% lower risk of developing cancer
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28% lower risk of suffering a fall
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47% lower risk of cardiovascular-related deaths
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37% lower risk of cancer-related deaths
Researchers from the University of Sydney, along with teams from the UK, Spain, and Norway, concluded that 7,000 steps per day is a realistic and highly beneficial target, especially for less active individuals. The widely quoted 10,000-step goal, they say, may be unnecessary for many to see meaningful health improvements.
However, they noted that evidence for some conditions — particularly cancer and dementia — was based on fewer studies, indicating lower certainty. The findings could also be influenced by factors such as age and frailty, which many of the reviewed studies did not fully account for.
“The health benefits of walking are clear,” the researchers wrote. “Even moderate increases in daily steps can significantly reduce the risk of several chronic conditions and improve overall quality of life.”
