The 10,000 steps myth and how to actually lose weight by walking

The goal of taking 10,000 steps a day came from the brand name of a Japanese pedometer called the “Manpo-kei,” which means “10,000 steps meter.”

Walking 10,000 steps per day may help you achieve your weight loss goals, but it’s not a guarantee. Photo: Fitbit

By Kelly Burch

The idea of walking 10,000 steps per day — just under 5 miles for someone with an average stride length of 2.2–2.5 feet — has become a popular fitness goal around the world.

Thomas Hirai, MD, medical director at the bariatric and metabolic health center at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, California, tells Insider the idea of walking 10,000 steps per day originated in 1965 when a Japanese company developed a pedometer called the “Manpo-kei,” which means “10,000 steps meter.”

“The goal of 10,000 steps came about as it was catchy, easy to remember, and above the average daily steps for most people,” Hirai says. “It was challenging but achievable to many people.”

How many steps you walk per day is just one aspect of losing weight. Learn more about how to track calories burned from walking and why 10,000 steps can help you reach your goal weight but it won’t always guarantee weight loss.

How many calories do 10,000 steps burn?

Most people burn 30–40 calories per 1,000 steps they walk, meaning they’ll burn…