The findings were based on the analysis of nine studies on walking programs involving the use of the wearable instrument that records the number of steps taken by a walker or runner and shows the approximate distance traveled.
Results of the analytical study led by Dr. Caroline R Richardson, assistant professor in the UMHS Department of Family Medicine, indicated that the 307 participants to the program increased the distance they walked by one mile to slightly more than two miles each day in an average 16 weeks. In the process, the participants gradually shed pounds.
The researchers calculated an average 0.11 pounds lost per week or an average 2.8 pounds during the walking program lasting from four weeks to one year. Richardson said the lost weight is small but significant.
Richardson added that participants tend to lose more weight in the longer studies.
Richardson said the increase in physical activity also reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, maintains lean muscle tissue for dieters and improve glucose tolerance of type 2 diabetics.
She added that "a quicker way to see results, and possibly to encourage people to adhere to the program longer, would be to add a dietary program to the walking plan."
