If you're looking for a sustainable way to lose weight, the answer could be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Walking is accessible, low-impact, and surprisingly effective for fat loss. In a June 16 Instagram post, fitness coach @forkfulliving explained why increasing your daily step count can be one of the most powerful tools for improving health and supporting weight-loss goals. (Also read: Tamannaah Bhatia’s fitness trainer explains why ‘healthy’ foods can still lead to weight gain; shares easy fat loss tips )
How many steps do you need to walk for fat loss
“Walking 6K, 12K, or even 18K steps a day doesn’t sound ‘sexy,’ but here’s the truth,” the fitness coach wrote.
According to the coach, walking 6,000 steps a day can help burn enough calories to contribute to roughly 0.5 pounds of fat loss per week. Increasing that to 12,000 steps may support around 1 pound of fat loss weekly, while 18,000 steps could contribute to as much as 1.5 pounds per week.
“That’s up to 6 lbs of fat in a month without slashing calories,” the coach said.
Explaining why she prioritises movement before making dietary changes, the coach added, “This is why steps come first before I ever touch a client’s food.”
Why is walking so effective for burning fat
She highlighted several benefits of walking beyond calorie burning, noting that it can increase daily energy expenditure, lower stress and cortisol levels, improve digestion, support recovery, and avoid triggering excessive hunger.
“You don’t need 90 minutes of exhausting cardio. You need more daily movement,” the coach wrote.
The key, she emphasised, is consistency rather than perfection. “Start small. Stay consistent. Let it compound.”
While walking alone may not replace a balanced diet and strength training, experts often recommend it as a sustainable form of exercise that can support weight management, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.