A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on November 1, 2025, suggests that taking longer walks may offer more health benefits than accumulating the same number of steps through multiple short walks. Researchers followed around 34,000 people in the United Kingdom for about a week, using accelerometers to track their walking patterns. Participants who regularly walked for more than 15 minutes were 80% less likely to die from any cause and nearly 70% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease over roughly 10 years, compared to those who took most steps in walks of five minutes or less. The study focused on individuals taking fewer than 8,000 steps per day, with most recording under 5,000 steps. While the research shows correlation rather than direct causation, experts believe longer walking periods allow the body to better access exercise's health benefits, including improved heart rate regulation.
Longer Walks Show Greater Health Benefits
The analysis revealed significant differences between walking patterns. People who took continuous walks lasting over 15 minutes experienced dramatically lower health risks compared to those who spread their steps across shorter intervals. Among participants with an average age of 62, the death risk dropped from about 4% in the shorter-walks group to less than 1% in the longer-walks group over a decade. Cardiovascular disease risk also decreased substantially. Researchers, led by Borja del Pozo Cruz from the European University of Madrid, noted the effect was especially pronounced in sedentary individuals taking fewer than 5,000 steps daily. While shorter walks still provide benefits, accumulating steps during extended periods appears more advantageous for overall health outcomes and longevity.
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