Scientists Reveal The Exact Number Of Daily Steps That Can Lower Your Risk Of Serious Disease

Health experts have now pinpointed the exact number of steps you should be taking each day to help lower your chances of developing a serious illness.

If you spend your days sitting at a desk—whether in an office or working from home. It can definitely be tough to stay active and get those steps in.

But truth be told, moving more every day is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing.

So, how many steps should we really aim for daily to make a difference?

Good news, it’s not the infamous 10,000 steps. The actual number is lower, and it’s been backed by scientific research done by a team based in the UK.

The study was massive, with around 85,000 people taking part. Each person wore a fitness tracker so researchers could monitor how active they were each day.

Scientists looked into how exercise can reduce your risk of cancer Getty Stock Photo

The scientists then looked at how physical activity linked up with the risk of developing 13 different types of cancer. And the results were quite telling.

They discovered that while benefits start showing around the 5,000-step mark, the real sweet spot is hitting 7,000 steps a day.

According to the study, that step count lowered the risk for six types of cancer. One expert also shared some helpful tips on how to easily get those 7,000 steps in without overthinking it.

Dr. Mhairi Morris, a senior lecturer in biochemistry at Loughborough University in the UK, wrote in The Conversation: "At 7,000 steps, the risk of developing cancer dropped by 11%. At 9,000 steps, it dropped by 16%."

"Beyond 9,000 steps, the benefits levelled off. The difference in risk reduction became marginal, and varied slightly between men and women."

The researchers followed participants for six years. During that time, they found that about three percent of the people involved were diagnosed with some form of cancer.

The data showed that colon, rectal, and lung cancers were most common in men. For women, the most frequently seen were breast, colon, endometrial, and lung cancers.

The study also pointed out that staying active lowered the chances of developing several cancers including gastric, liver, bladder, endometrial, lung, and cancers of the head and neck.

Researchers found walking can reduce your chances of developing cancer Getty Stock Photo

To make sure the findings were solid, the researchers even factored in other influences like lifestyle choices and demographics. But the message was still clear: walking more really helps.

Dr. Morris continued: "Getting more steps into your routine, especially during middle age, could be one of the simplest ways to lower your risk of developing certain cancers."

And for anyone not sure how to hit that goal, she had a few practical ideas to make it easier.

"Walking just two miles a day – roughly 4,000 steps, or about 40 minutes of light walking – could make a significant impact on your long-term health." the doctor added.

"You don't have to do it all at once either. Break it up throughout the day by: taking the stairs instead of the lift; having a stroll at lunchtime; walking during phone calls; parking a bit further away from your destination."