If you walk to lose weight, count your steps carefully

If you set out walking with a plan to lose weight…read this first. Then walk on…

Researchers at Stanford University theorized that the use of pedometers to count steps might also serve as a motivational tool.

The Stanford team found 26 different studies that followed more than 2,700 subjects with an average age of 49. Analysis showed that exercisers increased their physical activity by nearly 27 percent after they started using pedometers.

The average study length was 18 weeks, and over that period pedometer use was shown to accelerate weight loss and significantly decrease systolic blood pressure.

But researchers note that two additional elements are needed: 1) Subjects who kept a daily step diary significantly increased the number of steps they took, and 2) Subjects who didn’t set step count goals failed to significantly increase their physical activity.

Some pedometers cost as little as $5, but an Associated Press report on the Stanford study notes that reliable models usually cost about $20.

Sources:
“Using Pedometers to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health” Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 298, No. 19, 11/21/07, jama.ama-assn.org
“Studies: Pedometers Motivate Fitness” Associated Press, 11/21/07, ap.org