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Original poster

Is walking actually beneficial for weight loss?

185 replies

ygrittesnow5 · 09/09/2026 14:19

I hate exercising and rarely have time for the gym (although I could weight train at home I suppose). But I am and have been making a conscious effort to walk more for the last few months. With the school run, a lunchtime walk and an evening dog walk along with general pottering throughout the day, I am averaging at least 10,000 steps a day more usually more.

But will this actually do anything for weight loss? I know diet is the key factor by miles but I hope all this extra walking might help somewhere.

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 09/09/2026 14:28

Walking a decent distance each day makes all the difference to me between tending to slighty overeat or keeping a bit of a calorie deficit

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 09/09/2026 14:28

There’s walking - getting a bit of a sweat going and generally feeling like you are exercising yet can still hold a conversation and then there’s idly walking - taking leisurely paces (children to school) and stopping every five minutes whilst dog takes a sniff etc.
Depends which one you are doing for the majority of your steps whether it will help make you fitter/slimmer/healthier.

dontcookwontcook · 09/09/2026 14:28

I didn’t find I lost weight but my mood and outlook really improved. Being outside, not being on my phone, cool stuff to look at. I miss walking a lot.

Original poster
ygrittesnow5 · 09/09/2026 14:27

Oh yeah I know I have to tackle my diet if I’m serious about weight loss but the walking at the moment is accessible to me and quite enjoyable.

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 09/09/2026 14:25

Isn't the ratio 80% diet and 20% exercise? (Don't quote me on that!). Bottom line is you need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight. Walking will burn a – surprising small – amount of calories but anything is better than nothing.

SilenceInside · 09/09/2026 14:25

It will help a bit but is also good for general health and well being. Depending on how fast/far you walk you might burn an extra 200 to 300 calories compared to not doing the lunchtime and evening walks.

Fast800goingforit · 09/09/2026 14:24

Weight loss is primarily from calorie deficit (80-90%), however you choose to achieve that. Walking is a great form of exercise with benefits for your heart and bones. If you do lots of walking as well as having a calorie deficit you may find weight loss is quicker. But the number of calories burned by exercise are not that many and most smart watches, etc over estimate how many calories are burned during exercise. Don't "eat back" calories your watch thinks you've burned through exercise.

Silverbirchleaf · 09/09/2026 14:22

I think walking, and any form of exercise also tones you up, and makes your posture better.

maggisimpson · 09/09/2026 14:22

Using up any calories however you do it will help a bit, but as you say it's mostly down to diet.

footballmadboys · 09/09/2026 14:21

Definitely should. Walking is a great way to burn calories if you aren’t in to the gym or sports.