Study: Step Inequality, Not Count Better Predictor Of Obesity

This blog previously dispelled the myth surrounding the “10,000 steps a day” advice, as it had no medical basis. Individuals continue to scramble for a “golden number” that would lead to optimal health but have found themselves wanting. There is simply no single number of steps that is ideal for all people. Although this will always remain true, new research does point to interesting data that connects step counts and obesity for large populations.

Walkability Scores And Physical Activity

In countries with low obesity rates, people walked a similar amount each day, close to 5,000 steps. However, in countries where significant gaps existed between activity levels (some people taking 2,000 steps while others at 8,000), obesity levels increased. The researchers also found that when it comes to U.S. cities, “the higher the walkability scores, the lower the activity inequality,” which results in lower obesity rates. Activity in these high-walkability areas is greater throughout the day and throughout the week, across age, gender, and body mass index groups.

Implications

If you are looking to combat obesity in the workforce, increasing the “walkability” around your office might be a good start. Making movement the norm by putting up posters encouraging people to take the stairs instead of the elevator and promoting frequent walking breaks.

Employees are not limited to the office either so employers should encourage walking meetings and organize groups for people to find walking-friendly routes around the office. Rather than treating close parking spots as preferential, employers should subsidize lots that are farther away from the office so employees are rewarded for taking longer walks from their car to the building. A step challenge with elements of healthy competition is also a great way to make people more mindful of how often they move around, though a boring pedometer walking program won’t do. Come up with a fun and engaging program that will make walking a social part of people’s lives.

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