Some Researchers Claim Americans Should Move Less, Not More Because 10,000 Steps A Day Is A "Fabricated" Goal

There's no question that the United States is experiencing an obesity epidemic that affects nearly half of the country. To boot, 70% of Americans are overweight. The common modern lifestyle has resulted in more people than ever just sitting around for the majority of the day and never moving their body. That's why so many trainers and health experts suggest getting somewhere between 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day. This can be achieved by walking, running errands, playing with your children, cooking, cleaning, etc. Anything to get the body moving. However, the Today Show claims that people should actually be moving less, not more.

Some Researchers Claim Americans Should Move Less, Not More Because 10,000 Steps a Day Is a "Fabricated" Goal

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American only walks 3,000-4,000 steps a day, which roughly comes out to only 1.5-2 miles. This isn't much movement at all, and it directly correlates with how sedentary most people are each day. But the Today Show recently posted something on Instagram that actually encourages Americans to move less. "10,000 steps a day is a 'fabricated' goal, doctor says," the photo reads. "Try walking this much instead."

The slides then say that you don't have to hit 10,000 steps a day in order to get the benefits of walking. New research apparently shows that just walking 8,000 steps once or twice a week "can be enough to significantly reduce the risk of death over 10 years." Dr. Kosuke Inoue, a chronic disease epidemiologist at Kyoto University in Japan who was a co-author on a recent study, claims that "evidence is lacking about the health benefits of walking intensively only a few days a week."

JAMA Network Open published the study referenced, which collected data from surveys conducted in 2005 and 2006. 3,101 participants tracked their daily steps for a week; their average age was 50, and half were women. The data showed that people who walked anywhere between 6,000 to 10,000 steps one or two days a week were 15% less likely to die within 10 years. Researchers said the health benefits plateaued after this, and that people who walked more than this didn't see any further reductions in mortality risk.

While this may be true from one set of data, it's irresponsible at best to tell people to move less, especially in a society where most people are unhealthy and six out of every 10 Americans are suffering from a chronic illness. Regular movement every single day—not just once or twice a week—will absolutely improve your overall health, including your immune system, hormonal balance, muscle maintenance, and more. The responses to the Today Show's Instagram post reveal that most people are not buying into their suggestion.

"5000 steps 1-2x week? Horrible advice and that study was probably sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry," someone commented.

"Actually what the study showed was the biggest decrease in all cause mortality was between the group that had 0 days and 1-2 days of at least 8k steps. There WAS additional reduction in mortality the group that did 3-7 days. So despite the click bait headline, the study shows what we all know. A little is much better than nothing, but more is even better," another person pointed out.

"Study or no study, here’s what I know…more walking is always a good thing!" a person said.

"yes everyone, move less! 😒🤡" someone wrote.

You don't have to exhaust yourself with exercise every day, but moderate movement on a daily basis is an important factor for health and vibrancy. If you're not accustomed to walking much at all, you can start with a conservative goal—perhaps just 5,000 steps a day. Then you gradually build from there until you're achieving around 10,000 steps a day. Your body will thank you for it in the long run.