Last update:December 26, 2024, 4:17 p.m. IST

A recent study found that taking 7,500 steps can reduce the risk of depression by up to 42%, while exceeding this number provides no additional benefit.

A recent study found that 10,000 steps is not an ideal benchmark. (News18)

These days, everyone strives to walk 10,000 steps a day, believing this to be a healthy benchmark. The obsession is such that people often use smartwatches and fitness bands to track their progress. However, not everyone can achieve this goal. If you’re discouraged about not succeeding, you’ll be happy to know that you can stay healthy and fit even by taking fewer steps.

A recent study found that 10,000 steps is not an ideal benchmark. According to the Star of the dayscientists have concluded that taking fewer steps can still provide significant health benefits. Research published in Open JAMA Network found that walking more than 7,500 steps per day provided no additional health benefits. In fact, taking 7,500 steps can reduce the risk of depression by up to 42%, while exceeding this number has no additional benefits.

The study highlights that even modest physical activity can reduce the risk of depression. Experts recommend setting realistic, controlled goals for physical activity, as attempting to walk excessively can lead to mental and physical stress, potentially harmful to health. They also suggest that brisk walking for short periods may be as effective as slow walking for long periods.

Dr Lindsay Bottoms of the University of Hertfordshire in the UK pointed out that the 10,000 step target is arbitrary and can give a misleading impression of health security. Research has shown that even 4,400 steps daily can also improve life expectancy. Similarly, Professor Tom Yates of the University of Leicester noted that taking 8,000 steps a day reduces the risk of premature death, but walking more than that provides no additional benefit.