Health Reference

Walking: Is it enough for weight loss?

content provided by mayoclinic.com

Walking: Is it enough for weight loss?

Question

Can I lose weight if my only exercise is walking?

No name
No state given

Answer

Consuming fewer calories is often the most effective way to lose weight. Still, an increase in physical activity is an important part of any weight-loss program. And walking is a great way to get started. For motivation, do the math: To lose 1 pound, you must burn 3,500 calories. If you cut 250 calories from your daily diet, you could lose that pound in about two weeks. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn another 150 calories a day. Make that 60 minutes of brisk walking and you could burn about 300 calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker the pace, the more calories you'll burn. Keep it up and you'll walk your way to a healthy weight. Better yet, walking can help you keep the weight off for good.

Last Updated: 01/15/2008
© 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Terms and conditions of use

 

Bookmark and Share   E-Mail Page   Printer Friendly Version


 
ShortcutsFind A PhysicianmyHealth eLinkPay Your BillSchedule Your MammogramRegister for Classes and EventsMake a DonationApply for a job

Revolutionary Solutions to Sinusitis 


New Year's Gala


Ask-A-Nurse