Behavior Change and Health News
Pedometers May Encourage Weight Loss
A study published in the November 21, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that people who use pedometers increased their daily physical activity by approximately 27%. The study, conducted by Dr. Dena Bravata of Stanford University, discovered these people walked about one mile more per day than they did before using a pedometer. Furthermore, people who wore pedometers and logged their daily steps noticed a weight loss of a few pounds in addition to a decrease in blood pressure. To notice results, it was important to keep a step log. Those who did not keep a log did not see any significant increase in their walking. Also, those who did not have a step goal did not increase their physical activity.
Sources:
Associated Press. November 20, 2007. Pedometers may encourage weight loss. Associated Press Accessed November 27, 2007.
Bravata et al. November 21, 2007. Using pedometers to increase physical activity and improve health. Journal of the American Medical Association 298(19).
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