Scientists say 8,500 steps a day could stop weight from creeping back

"“The most important -- and greatest -- challenge when treating obesity is preventing weight regain,” explains Professor Marwan El Ghoch, of the Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy."

"“Around 80% of people with overweight or obesity who initially lose weight tend to put some or all of it back on again within three to five years. The identification of a strategy that would solve this problem and help people maintain their new weight would be of huge clinical value.”"

"“Many weight loss programs encourage people to walk more each day, but researchers say there has been limited evidence showing whether increasing daily steps actually helps people lose weight while dieting. It has also remained unclear whether walking more can help people maintain weight loss over time and, if so, what step count may be most effective.”"

"“To investigate further, Professor El Ghoch and colleagues from Italy and Lebanon carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous studies focused on walking and weight management. Analysis Included Nearly 4,000 Adults The researchers reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials. Of those, 14 studies involving 3,758 adults were included in the final meta-analysis.”"

Walking more each day is commonly recommended during weight loss, but evidence has been limited on whether step increases improve weight loss during dieting and help maintain weight loss afterward. Preventing weight regain is described as the major challenge in obesity treatment, with many people regaining some or all lost weight within three to five years. A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials on walking and weight management. Fourteen trials with 3,758 adults were included, with participants averaging 53 years of age and a BMI of 31 kg/m2. The studies involved multiple countries and compared different walking or step targets to assess effects on weight outcomes.

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