Final answer:
To assess whether the incentives effectively increased the mean number of days that participants met their walking goal above 35 in a 100-day period, a statistical test is needed. Moderate activity like walking can contribute significantly to weight loss and health maintenance, and achieving health benefits is possible with gradual increases in physical activity coupled with dietary changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study you're referring to investigates the effectiveness of different incentives to motivate overweight or obese people to reach a goal of walking 7000 steps a day for 100 days. To determine if this resulted in a mean number of days meeting the goal that is greater than 35, a statistical test such as a one-sample t-test could be used, comparing the sample mean to the hypothesized population mean of 35 days. However, specific data and test results from this study would be needed to make that determination.
It's important to note that even moderate activity and physical activity can be beneficial. Individuals do not necessarily need to engage in strenuous exercise; walking is a form of physical activity that can contribute to weight loss and health maintenance, as suggested by the National Weight Control Registry findings.
Incorporating exercise into one's daily routine is essential, and it doesn't have to be a monumental task. Starting with small steps, literally and figuratively, such as a 10 to 15 minute walk, and then gradually increasing the time spent can lead to significant health benefits. Additionally, coupling increased physical activity with dietary changes is considered the most successful approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.