1. 10,000+ steps a day can lower risks of developing multiple chronic conditions.

In one of the largest studies of its kind, over 15,000 Fitbit users donated up to 13 years of Fitbit data and electronic health record data to the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program. Research found that Fitbit users with daily step counts of 10,000 or more had significantly lower risks of developing multiple chronic conditions, including sleep apnea, obesity, depressions, diabetes and high blood pressure. Specifically, higher step counts correlated to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 33%.

An increase in steps can also lower the risk of chronic conditions onset and related mortality conditions. A study conducted by researchers at UK Biobank, a major NHS-sponsored precision medicine initiative in the United Kingdom, analyzed the physical activity data of 103,000 people over seven years. Results found that taking more steps lowers the risk of chronic conditions onset and related mortality conditions by up to 11% — chronic conditions included cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the study found that just three brief bursts of vigorous activity for up to two minutes, like fast walking or climbing stairs, can lower heart disease mortality specifically by up to 50%.

2. Increased activity and guided health programs can help improve body composition, blood pressure and weight loss.

Research from the University of Florida showed that an increase in physical activity, paired with the use of a Fitbit and guided exercise, improved blood pressure outcomes among adults aged 60 or older who are at moderate to high risk of chronic heart disease. When using a Fitbit, results showed sedentary time dropped by nearly 7 minutes per day and steps increased by more than 2k steps per day.

3. Fitbit-based programs are improving health outcomes for people with chronic health conditions.

A study from the University of California San Francisco looked at the combined health benefits of increasing physical activity and engaging in guided health programs in overweight adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes. All participants were given a Fitbit device and access to the Fitbit app, along with two in-person weight loss sessions adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program. The study showed that increased physical activity helped improve blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), weight loss, and other body composition measurements.