People who have a quicker walking pace lived longer than those who walked more slowly, according to researchers who monitored the walking habits and deaths of nearly 475,000 people, most of whom were in their 50s at the start of the study.

Brisk walkers hit speeds of 3 mph - about 100 steps a minute and, in general, they will overtake most other walkers. Slow walkers trudge along at between 1 mph and 2 mph, or just 50 steps a minute.

Tom Yates, the lead author from the University of Leicester in England, attested that physical fitness may be a better indicator in measuring mortality rates compared to body mass index.

Since the results pointed out that weight was not a determining factor among the walkers but their pacing, the researchers also found that those who were underweight had a slower walking pace and were at higher risk of heart-related diseases.

These findings are consistent with other studies showing that brisk walking can cut the risk of cardiovascular events, adding to evidence suggesting that cardiovascular fitness can provide some protection against the health risks posed by having excess weight or obesity.

So, whether you're overweight or in shape, fast walking does have positive physical effects on your body and life expectancy.
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Those who are sedentary are better off doing any type of walking, even at a slow pace. How much time you spend walking also shouldn't be disregarded. It's not just the intensity but the duration that counts.