How many steps to walk daily to cut risk of heart disease, fatty liver and dementia? Hyderabad-based neurologist shares

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist based in Hyderabad, took to X to share eye-opening insights from a recent Lancet Public Health study that challenges the long-held belief that 10,000 steps a day is the gold standard. According to the study, just 7,000 steps daily can significantly reduce the risk of several life-threatening conditions — including dementia, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

In fact, walking 7,000 steps a day can cut the risk of dementia by 38%, cardiovascular disease by 25%, heart-related deaths by 47%, all-cause mortality by 47%, and cancer-related deaths by 37%. The benefits don’t stop there — it also lowers the risk of diabetes, depression, and accidental falls.

For those wondering if even fewer steps make a difference, Dr. Kumar says 4,000 steps a day can still offer “major benefits.” He called step count a “simple, measurable, and life-saving” metric. While 10,000 steps remains a worthy goal for the highly active, 7,000 is now being seen as a more realistic and clinically meaningful target for most people.

But how many steps to walk to manage fatty liver?

However, in a follow-up post, Dr. Kumar addressed a common question: “Are 10,000 steps a day helpful for fatty liver?” To this, his answer was a resounding yes. He emphasised that brisk walking, along with other aerobic activities like cycling, swimming, and running, is highly beneficial — especially for grade 2 fatty liver.



He also recommended 2–3 strength training sessions per week, and stressed the importance of reducing dietary sugars and refined carbohydrates to effectively manage the condition. “Every step counts — for your brain, heart, and future,” Dr. Kumar wrote.