Study Suggests Focusing on Exercise Time, Not Steps, May Be Key for Weight Loss and Heart Health

Study Suggests Focusing on Exercise Time, Not Steps, May Be Key to Weight Loss and Heart Health

By Emily Joshu Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 16:00 20 May 2024, Updated: 17:44 20 May 2024

Getting at least 10,000 steps a day has long been considered the gold standard for exercise. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston suggests that focusing on the time spent exercising may be just as effective for weight loss, longevity, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, looked at four-year data from nearly 15,000 women aged over 62. Each participant wore a fitness tracker to measure activity levels and completed health questionnaires every year.

The findings revealed that those who did 8,000 to 8,500 steps per day reduced their risk of heart disease by 40 percent compared to those who did around 3,000 daily steps. Similarly, those who exercised for 75 minutes per day also saw a significant reduction in their risk of heart disease.

Lead study author Dr. Rikuta Hamaya emphasized the importance of offering multiple ways to reach exercise goals, as different forms of movement are beneficial to overall health. The study challenges the traditional 10,000-step rule and highlights the importance of focusing on overall exercise time rather than just step count.

The researchers concluded that patients can choose between a step or time-based goal to lower their risk of death or cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that including both time-based and step-based guidelines in future physical activity recommendations can provide individuals with the flexibility to choose and track their preferred activity metric.

While the study had limitations, including a predominantly white and higher socioeconomic status participant pool, the findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between exercise, steps, and heart health. The research underscores the importance of personalized exercise goals for optimal health outcomes.

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