To lose weight by walking, aiming for about 10,000 steps per day or walking 30 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace (around 3 to 3.5 miles per hour) is generally recommended. This typically translates to roughly 4 to 5 miles daily, depending on your walking speed
. Key points for effective weight loss through walking:
- Frequency and duration: Walk 4 to 5 days a week for 50 to 60 minutes, or accumulate about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly
- Step count: Increasing your daily steps by 2,000 to 2,500 from your baseline, aiming eventually for 10,000 steps, supports weight loss
- Pace matters: Walking briskly (3.5 mph or faster) burns more calories-about 280 to 350 calories per hour for an average-weight person
- Consistency: Regular walking combined with dietary changes leads to better results; walking alone may not be sufficient for significant weight loss
- Breaking up walks: It's beneficial to spread walking sessions throughout the day rather than one long walk
- Additional benefits: Walking boosts metabolism, improves mood, and reduces chronic disease risks
For example, a 154-pound person walking moderately for 60 minutes burns around 280 calories, and increasing pace or distance increases calorie burn, aiding weight loss
. Walking 10,000 steps daily or about 30-45 minutes of brisk walking aligns with health guidelines and supports fat loss
. In summary, to lose weight by walking, aim for about 30-60 minutes of brisk walking or 10,000 steps daily, at least 4-5 times per week, combined with a healthy diet for best results