A large systematic review (57 studies) and meta-analysis (31 studies) by Ding et al. (2025) examined the relationship between steps and chronic diseases the authors making the point that whilst the relationship between stepping and mortality is well documented the relationship between steps and chronic diseases is less well understood.
The study revealed that there is indeed an association between steps per day and the incidence of many chronic diseases. For some, namely cardiovascular disease, dementia and falls the inverse relationship was curvilinear with the maximum benefit being recorded between 5,000 and 7,000 steps per day. For cancer incidence, diabetes and depression the inverse relationship was linear, meaning the more steps the better.
The authors conclude that 10,000 steps per day remains a good target for good health outcomes but that 7,000 steps which may be more achievable for many people brings meaningful health improvement.
The authors looked at, but were not able to draw any firm conclusions on, stepping intensity. Increased stepping intensity was related to reduced overall mortality but its relationship to morbidity was not clear with some studies showing benefits from increased intensity whilst others did not.
The study did not provide any information on the relationship between step count, age and health outcomes although we know from other work that a lower step count target may be sufficient for older people.
This study supports the inclusion of steps per day as a helpful target for physical activity in public health guidance.
Ding D, Nguyen B, Nau T, Luo M, Del Pozo Cruz B, Dempsey PC, Munn Z, Jefferis BJ, Sherrington C, Calleja EA, Hau Chong K, Davis R, Francois ME, Tiedemann A, Biddle SJH, Okely A, Bauman A, Ekelund U, Clare P, Owen K. Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health. 2025 Aug;10(8):e668-e681. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00164-1. Epub 2025 Jul 23. Erratum in: Lancet Public Health. 2025 Sep;10(9):e731. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00199-9. PMID: 40713949