The study, researchers analysed 120 female freshmen during their first six months of college as they participated in a step-counting experiment, with participants walking either 10,000, 12,500 or 15,000 steps a day, six days a week for 24 weeks.
which were published in the Journal of Obesity, the number of steps did not prevent students from gaining weight – even among those who were walking 15,000 steps a day.
Researchers found that at the end of the period, the students had gained an average of 3.5lbs.
“The lack of attenuation in weight gain between step groups was surprising, since physical activity progressively increased with each step recommendation and physical activity increases energy expenditure and alters energy balance,”
“If you track steps, it might have a benefit in increasing physical activity, but our study showed it won’t translate into maintaining weight or preventing weight gain.”
“The biggest benefit of step recommendations is getting people out of a sedentary lifestyle,” said Bailey.
“Even though it won’t prevent weight gain on its own, more steps is always better for you.”
Previous studies on the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day have also found the technique can have no effect on weight, and that vigorous exercise .
Over the last few years, the theory that walking 10,000 steps a day is the key to health and weight loss has become increasingly popular.