They collect smartwatches, download fitness apps by the millions and count every calorie. However, in 2025, Americans walk little. This is according to a global report from WeWard based on data from nearly 15 million users. The United States comes almost at the bottom of the ranking of rich countries for the number of daily steps. According to the study, nearly 63% of Americans remain below 7,000 steps per day, a threshold associated with major health benefits. Among OECD countries, only Canadians do worse. Conversely, Spain is close to 9,000 daily steps.
A health threshold far from being reached in the United States
For years, the symbolic goal was set at 10,000 steps. Recent research cited by WeWard moves the cursor: around 7,000 steps per day, doctors observe a significant drop in the risks of diabetes, dementia and depression. It is therefore not a question of a sporting performance, but of a minimum to stay active.
However, the American figures remain well below. With 63% of the population below this threshold, the national average places the country penultimate in the OECD ranking. The gap with Spain, close to 9,000 daily steps, illustrates radically different lifestyles.
The question is no longer that of access to connected objects. It concerns the organization of cities, dependence on cars and habits anchored in daily life.
New York, Massachusetts, Mississippi: marked differences between states
The report highlights deeply contrasting territory. New York is the only state to average more than 7,000 daily steps, with 42% of residents reaching that milestone each day.
Richer and more urbanized states like Massachusetts, Washington and California combine high salaries and better walking habits. In contrast, Mississippi, Alabama and West Virginia, which are more dependent on cars, show much lower levels.
These differences are also reflected in health indicators. Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Minnesota exceed 6,000 steps on average and have the best life expectancies. Utah, Colorado and New Jersey associate higher step counts with lower rates of obesity and diabetes. The link between environment, standard of living and metabolic health appears clearly.
Which profiles work the least?
The data is also surprising on a generational and demographic level. Female WeWard users walk on average 26% less than men.
Young people aged 16 to 24 also record fewer steps than their elders. This generation, very connected, displays the highest screen time. The study highlights a direct relationship: the more time spent in front of a screen increases, the more the number of steps decreases.
However, an encouraging sign appears: 16-24 year olds have already increased their number of steps by 7%, stimulated by the craze for walking and applications that transform each journey into a daily challenge.