About 8,500 steps per day may become the sweet spot for keeping weight off after dieting, a new study indicates.
The findings, recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health on May 11, 2026, state that the greatest challenge when treating obesity is preventing weight gain.
Around 80% of people with obesity or overweight who initially lose weight tend to put some or all of it back on again within 3 to 5 years, experts said. Identifying a strategy to solve this problem and help people maintain their weight would be of immense clinical value.
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The team of experts reviewed data from nearly 4,000 adults across multiple studies on weight loss and weight management. According to some members of John Hopkins Medicine, they conducted a comprehensive review of the clinical trial to understand how the process unfolded, encouraging participants to walk more daily.
The findings: Participants in the intervention groups who walked about 8,500 steps a day while losing weight kept the weight off.
Overall, they lost about 9 pounds over 8 months and maintained the weight loss for 10 subsequent months. Participants in the control groups continued walking an average of 7,200 steps per day and did not lose weight.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.