The Article in Brief

A Meta-Analysis of Pedometer-Based Walking Interventions and Weight Loss

Caroline R. Richardson, MD , and colleagues

Background People who walk more tend to be thinner than those who walk less. This study examines the effects of walking programs for overweight adults that use pedometers (small devices worn at the waist that count every step taken during the day).

What This Study Found Walking programs that use a pedometer as a motivational tool result in a moderate amount of weight loss in overweight or obese sedentary adults. The average participant in a pedometer-based walking program without dietary change can expect to lose about 1 pound every 10 weeks, or about 5 pounds per year. Longer programs are associated with greater weight loss.

Implications

• The amount of weight loss from pedometer-based walking programs is small but significant from a clinical perspective.
• Walking programs that use pedometers can have health benefits that are associated with both a modest weight loss and increased physical activity.