Sometimes we choose to walk to a destination, thinking that it would help us burn some calories, which may later aid in weight loss, but a new study suggests that thinking might be wrong.
A new study suggests that walking 10,000 steps a day will not prevent weight gain or lead to weight loss.
The study was conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University’s Exercise Science Department.
In the study, which was co-done by the Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science Department, college freshmen students were monitored.
As part of the study, researchers analyzed 120 female freshmen students during their first 6 months of college as they participated in a step-counting experiment.
The participants of the study were walking 10,000, 12,500, or 15,000 steps per day for 6 days each week for 24 straight weeks.
To have a detailed outcome, researchers also tracked the caloric intake and weight of each student.
According to the findings, which were published in the Journal of Obesity, the number of steps did not prevent students from gaining weight, even those students that were talking 15,000 steps per day.
Instead of losing weight, the researchers found out that students had gained an average of 3.5 pounds.
In the study that was published, the researchers said, “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.”
Bruce Bailey, the professor of exercise at the Brigham Young University and the lead author of the study, said, “Exercise alone is not always the most effective way to lose weight.”
Bruce added, “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.”
In the study, the researchers did note that the increased steps meant an overall positive impact on the students’ physical activity patterns.
This means that walking a lot may have emotional and other health benefits.
Bruce said, “The biggest benefit of step recommendations is getting people out of a sedentary lifestyle. Even though it won’t prevent weight gain on its own, more steps are always better for you.”
Looks like it’s time to stay in bed and watch Netflix all day.