According to a new study by scientists, the daily goal of 10,000 steps is not an absolute necessity.
Medianews.az reports that a meta-analysis of 18 clinical studies has shown that approximately 8,500 steps per day may be sufficient for weight maintenance and the prevention of the "yo-yo effect."
The "yo-yo effect" refers to the rapid regain of weight after losing it and this process happening repeatedly.
The study by researchers from Italy and Lebanon, published in the "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health," was based on the results of 3,758 people.
According to the results, individuals who took an average of 8,454 steps per day reduced their body weight by approximately 4.4 percent and maintained this indicator. The study also showed that physical activity plays a particularly effective role during the weight maintenance phase.
Experts state that the 10,000-step goal is the result of a marketing approach formed in the 1960s, rather than being scientifically based. The new data suggests that 8,500 steps may be a more realistic and sustainable target.
Nevertheless, it is noted that every additional 1,000 steps reduces the risk of death, and even 4,000 steps are considered beneficial for health.
Medianews.az