An increase in daily step count is associated with a significant reduction (up to 62%) in all-cause mortality risk compared to highly sedentary populations.

noli's read

The advice is based on a solid meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, which synthesizes data from numerous observational studies. The correlation between increased physical activity, measured here by step count, and improved longevity is a widely documented and robust fact in scientific literature. However, it is important to note that these are observational studies: they show a strong association but do not by themselves prove a direct causal link (other lifestyle factors come into play). The idea that 'the more you walk, the better' is true up to a certain plateau, beyond which marginal benefits diminish, although they do not disappear. The 62% figure is an observation regarding the extremes (very low vs. very high), which does not necessarily mean that adding a few more steps will guarantee this specific reduction for every individual. The approach is therefore scientifically grounded and highly relevant for public health.

the sources

1. 1Ding M et al. 2025
2. 2Paluch AE et al. (Steps for Health Collaborative) 2022