New Research Suggests 8,500 Daily Steps Are Key to Preventing Weight Regain
8,500 daily steps — not 10,000 — may be the sweet spot to prevent weight regain after dieting
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Recent research indicates that walking 8,500 steps daily may effectively prevent weight regain after dieting, challenging the traditional goal of 10,000 steps. Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, Turkey, the study highlights the importance of sustainable activity levels for long-term weight management.
- 01Walking 8,500 steps daily is sufficient to prevent weight regain post-diet.
- 02The research involved 18 randomized controlled trials with nearly 3,800 participants.
- 03Maintaining this step count can help individuals keep off 3-4 kg of lost weight.
- 04Regular walking is easier on joints compared to high-impact exercises.
- 05Sustainable lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition and reduced sedentary behavior, are crucial.
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A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul, Turkey, suggests that walking 8,500 steps daily is effective for preventing weight regain after dieting, a shift from the widely recommended 10,000 steps. Led by Professor Marwan El Ghoch from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, the research involved a systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials with 3,758 participants from countries including the UK, US, Australia, and Japan. The findings indicate that while a reduced-calorie diet aids initial weight loss, maintaining a daily step count of 8,200–8,500 helps individuals retain 3-4 kg of lost weight. The study emphasizes that walking is a practical and sustainable form of exercise, particularly beneficial for those with joint issues or those returning to fitness. Experts advocate for incorporating regular walking into daily routines, alongside balanced nutrition and lifestyle changes, to foster long-term weight management. This approach highlights the significance of consistency over intensity in physical activity.
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This research provides a more attainable goal for daily physical activity, encouraging individuals to adopt walking as a sustainable habit for long-term health.
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