People who use fitness trackers are more active than those who don’t, averaging 2 000 more steps a day.

An increase in activity can potentially lower the risk of chronic disease like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It also improves quality of life and reduces the risk of premature death.

This is according to research from the University of Sydney that found that using smartphone apps and activity trackers increased physical activity levels in adults aged 18 to 65 without chronic disease.

Dr Liliana Laranjo, of the university’s faculty of medicine and health, said: “Our study is the first to show that activity trackers and mobile apps currently being used by consumers are indeed effective in improving physical activity, with an average increase of around 2 000 steps per day.”

The university said the study measured physical activity, including daily step counts, minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, weekly days exercised, minutes per week of total physical activity, and a measure of oxygen uptake by the body during exercise.

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