Do you ever go up and down your hallway at the end of the day to reach your 10,000-step goal? This is not surprising because this number is often treated as a gold standard for health and fitness.
But when it comes to how many steps a day to lose weight, the truth is more flexible than you may think. If you hit a daily step, this can support absolutely weight loss, but it is not a uniform equation.3Present 4). In this article we will break down what science says, how the target goals can vary from the individual and how you can find a sustainable routine that helps you to move more and feel better.
Where did 10,000 steps come from?
The 10,000 step destination did not come from the science-es from a marketing campaign (2). In the 1960s, a Japanese company started a pedometer named Manpo-Kei, which translates “10,000 steps (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) (measuring device (meter (meter (meter (meter (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter (meter (meter (meter () meter () (measuring device (measuring device (meter (meter (meter (measurement (measurement (10,000”2). “
The number was catchy, easy to remember and quickly decreased as a symbol of good health, and for many people it has become a helpful goal to promote more daily movement (2). And that’s a value! After all, most of us spend too much time sitting (6).
However, if you wonder how many steps a day to lose weight, it is important to know that 10,000 are not a magical number. You can still see advantages with fewer steps, depending on your basic activity level, intensity and other lifestyle factors such as nutrition and sleep (3Present 4).
How to support weight loss
Going alone may not be a dramatic weight loss, but it can play absolutely a supportive role – especially if it becomes part of their regular routine ((((3Present 4).
What makes going so valuable is how accessible it is (it is3). “I recommend going with customers because it is an exercise with a low impact with which almost everyone can start a health trip”3). “Most people are sitting and walking helps to spread days with low activity (days with low activity (3Present 6 ). “You don’t need chic equipment, a gym or even to break sweat.3Present 4).
In addition to the physical advantages, walking can also increase your mood, reduce stress and clear your mind – especially if you do it outside (outside the outdoor area7). These emotional discounts are important because the feeling of remaining mentally to healthier decisions and greater motivation, to stay active (to stay active (to stay active) (to remain active)3Present7).
About the experts
Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD is a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert, media personality, nutritionist and author. Cassetty is a former nutrition director for good housekeeping and co-author of the book Sugar Shock.
Denise Hernandez, RD is a food curator at Myfitnespal. Denise graduated from Texas Woman’s University in nutrition. Her focus includes weight management for adults and childhood, nutrition of women and chronic disease management.
How many steps do you really need?
While the 10,000-step benchmark is popular, the research results indicate that health advantages and even modest weight loss can begin with lower threshold values.1Present 2). Some studies, for example, indicate that reaching around 7,000 steps in previously inactive people can lead to weight loss (inactive) (inactive) (inactive)1).
In addition, studies of adults who have reached 7,000 to 8,000 steps a day have1Present 2).
Nevertheless, it’s not just about reaching a level. The intensity and consistency of movement and the distribution of the seating time are the key (the key (3). It may not be surprising, but I will still say it: go brisk, go on inclines or the extension of your motion duration can help to increase calorie burning more effectively than a casual walk3).
And let us be realistic: nutrition still plays the main role in weight loss. It is likely that no steps for a calorie surplus or a diet with heavily processed foods completely compensate for. Sustainable weight loss generally requires a calorie deficit that can be supported by combining walking with healthy eating, sleep and stress management (management4).
Factors that have an impact on how many steps you need
There is no universal step goal for weight loss. The number that works best depends on several factors:
- Weight and age. Serious people tend to burn more calories per step, while factors such as age can influence metabolism and endurance (endurance3Present 8).
- Walk and terrain. Fleet walks or mountain paths burn more calories than slower walks on a flat floor (3).
- Activity level. If you have a seated job, you may need more deliberate movement to compensate for all sitting (3).
- Diet and calorie intake. Going can support a calorie deficit, but nutrition plays a leading role in weight loss (3Present 4).
- Fitness level or health states. Medical problems or low fitness may require a gradual start and less intensive routes (3).
For the context, 7,000 steps a day correspond to the 150 -minute moderate exercises that are recommended by health experts for general health and weight maintenance (weight authority) (weight authority) (9). Most people need more than 30 minutes on foot a day to promote weight loss, but this amount is a good starting point (a good starting point (3Present 4).

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How to count your steps
Here are some tips that help you get the best of your daily movement.
Scoop up the pace
Living (think: you can speak but do not sing) increase your heart rate and calorie burning compared to a leisurely walk. This is an easy way to make your steps more effective without adding more time (3).
Add short bursies all day long
A 10-minute walk after meals can be helpful in control and digestion of blood sugar, while fast movements during the working day reduce stiffness and increase energy (can increase energy (increase energy (increase energy3).
Short hiking breaks are also helpful if you don’t have time for a longer walk, and all these small breaks add up during a day (3). A short break can also be a good time to challenge yourself to increase the pace (3)!
Couple who walks with strength training
The structure of muscles supports your metabolism and improves the total body composition (4). Even two days in the week of strength training – e.g.4).
Use MyFitnespal to stay on the right track
Synchronize your fitness watch or step tracking with the app to monitor your progress and see how your movement affects your daily calorie balance (5). You can also record workouts and meals for a more complete picture of your habits (5).
Hernandez suggests watching their daily average in order to obtain their basic step. “If your daily average turns out to be 5,000 steps for a week, make it the goal of increasing your daily average to 6,000 steps and progress from there because you keep suitable for your goals,” she says.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you only lose weight by walking?
It depends on it. Going can be their only form of movement and still support weight loss if they are coupled with a healthy, calorie -conscious diet. However, the combination with two days of resistance training is ideal for better long -term results (((3.4).
Is going better than running for weight loss?
Burn up more calories in a shorter time, but walking is easier and often more sustainable for your joints, which makes it a great option for building up long -term motion habits that supports weight loss (8).
Do I have to take 10,000 steps a day to lose weight?
Not necessarily. Some research results show advantages that start around 7,000 steps, but their ideal step depends on factors such as age, basic activity, general lifestyle and nutrition (diet)1Present 2Present 3.4).
How many calories does that burn?
It depends on your weight, speed and duration, but the average person burns about 100 calories per mile (8Present 10). People who weigh less than average will burn fewer calories, and people who weigh more than average8Present 10).
How quickly should I go to lose weight?
Strive for a brisk pace in which you can speak but cannot sing (11).
The end result
You don’t have to take exactly 10,000 steps a day to make progress (1Present 2). What matters more is a movement that fits your life and makes it consistent (3). Going is low, accessible, accessible and regularly practicing in combination with a nutritious, calorie-conscious diet and eighth-seed eating habits support weight loss (weight loss (weight loss (3Present 4).
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