To lose weight through walking, a commonly recommended target is around 10,000 steps per day. This number is considered reasonable for many adults and can help create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss when combined with proper nutrition

Key points about steps and weight loss:

• 10,000 steps per day is a good general goal for weight loss and overall health, with some experts suggesting aiming even higher, such as 12,500 steps, for more active individuals

• For less active people, increasing daily steps by adding a 30-minute walk (roughly 3,000-4,000 steps) can significantly contribute to weight loss by boosting calorie burn

• Some studies suggest benefits from as low as 7,500 steps per day for weight loss, especially if this is an increase over your usual activity level

• The intensity of walking matters; brisk walking or including bursts of more vigorous steps (e.g., 3,500 steps or more in a session) can enhance calorie burn and weight loss effects

• Weight loss depends on maintaining a calorie deficit, so walking helps by increasing energy expenditure, but nutrition, sleep, and stress management are also crucial

• Step count categories to gauge activity levels:
  • Less than 5,000 steps: sedentary
  • 5,000–9,999 steps: lightly active
  • 10,000–12,500 steps: active
  • More than 12,500 steps: highly active

Practical advice:

• Use a pedometer or smartphone app to track steps.
• Incorporate walking into daily routines: take stairs, walk during breaks, park farther away.
• Gradually increase step count based on your current activity level to make it sustainable.
• Combine walking with a balanced diet to achieve the best weight loss results.

In summary, aiming for around 10,000 steps daily is a solid target to support weight loss, but even increasing steps beyond your usual baseline-such as reaching 7,500 steps or more-can be effective when paired with good nutrition and lifestyle habits