Nashville, TN - A major study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center has found that walking briskly for just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of death by nearly 20%, particularly among low-income and Black Americans. The findings, published July 29, 2025 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, offer powerful evidence for promoting walking as a public health strategy.

The research analyzed data from nearly 80,000 participants enrolled across 12 southeastern states, following their health outcomes for over 16 years. Even after accounting for lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, fast walking showed strong benefits—not only lowering overall mortality, but significantly reducing death from heart disease.

Fast walking or brisk walking and power walk is a quick-paced walk around 3 miles per hour for 15 minutes. If that is too fast, the pace should raises your heart rate without being too intense. You should feel slightly winded, but still able to talk.

The study’s authors emphasized that brisk walking improves heart efficiency, reduces obesity, and lowers risks like hypertension and high cholesterol. They also noted that walking is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal public health strategy.

Study author Dr. Wei Zheng emphasized, “Brisk walking offers a convenient and low-cost way to boost general and heart health.” The team hopes their findings spark public health programs that make walking more accessible in underserved communities.