How many daily steps do you need to lose weight?
Staying active is key to staying healthy, and fitness trackers and smartwatches have become popular tools for tracking activity. But just how many steps does someone need to take each day to lose weight? Experts say there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The number 10,000 is repeated often, but research shows anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 steps per day can still provide health benefits.
The number of daily steps needed to lose weight varies from person to person. While 10,000 steps is often cited, research suggests benefits can be seen with anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 steps per day. To lose weight, experts recommend getting about 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, which averages to 22 to 45 minutes per day.
However, more intensive exercise may be necessary to see significant weight loss. Fitness trackers and smartwatches can help track progress and set goals. A study of nearly 16,000 Japanese adults found that each additional 1,000 daily steps was tied to about 0.7 pounds less weight for men and 0.4 pounds less for women over two years.
However, the ideal step count may vary, with research suggesting 7,000 steps daily could be more realistic for many people. Weight loss is more about consistent activity and healthy eating habits than a specific step count.
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