Experts pinpoint the precise number of daily steps you need to take to beat depression - spoiler alert: It's NOT 10,000

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Experts pinpoint the precise number of daily steps you need to take to beat depression - spoiler alert: It's NOT 10,000
Published: Dec, 16 2024 16:00

Scientists have, for the first time, discovered the precise number of steps a person needs to take every day in order to cut the risk of depression. In research that examined 33 separate studies, involving almost 100,000 adults using fitness trackers, experts found higher counts were linked to better mental health.

 [In research that examined 33 separate studies, involving almost 100,000 adults using fitness trackers, experts found higher counts were linked to better mental health]
Image Credit: Mail Online [In research that examined 33 separate studies, involving almost 100,000 adults using fitness trackers, experts found higher counts were linked to better mental health]

However, intriguingly, the much touted goal of 10,000 steps might be overkill, at least when it comes to improving mood, according to the new analysis. For the review, published today on Jama Network Open, the researchers set about trying to determine 'the protective role of daily steps' in decreasing low mood.

Scientific studies have found higher step counts are linked to better heart health and a longer life, the experts claimed. They added: '[But] to our knowledge, the association between the number of daily steps... and depression has not been previously examined.

'Setting goals based on step counts is straightforward to understand and integrate into daily routines and may be valuable... in depression prevention guidelines.'. While a step counts below 5,000 was associated with a raised risk of depression, those who achieved 7,500 had a 42 per cent reduce risk.

Scientists have, for the first time, discovered the precise number of steps a person needs to take every day in order to cut the risk of depression. 'Our findings... suggested that small doses of physical activity were associated with a decreased incidence of depression in adults,' they stated.

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