The exact number seems to vary sure but it seems at least broadly correct so calling it a myth seems a bit strong

I guess they're saying that because the guys at Yamasa basically pulled the number out of their asses based on not much more than 'walking good.' The new result says, "yes, walking good, 7000 steps enough to get good result.'

For those also wondering about rough calorie equivalents of 7000 steps in other forms of exercise:

7000 steps ≈ 280 calories ≈ 3.5 METs

- Yoga (flow/vinyasa) – 3 METs – 82 minutes

- House cleaning (vacuuming, mopping) – 3.3 METs – 74 minutes

- Brisk walking (4 mph / 6.4 km/h) – 3.5 METs – 70 minutes

- Elliptical trainer (moderate) – 5 METs – 49 minutes

- Swimming (moderate) – 6 METs – 41 minutes

- Basketball (half-court, casual) – 6 METs – 41 minutes

- Bicycling (moderate, 12–14 mph) – 7 METs – 35 minutes

- Rowing machine (moderate) – 7 METs – 35 minutes

- Soccer (casual) – 7 METs – 35 minutes

- Light jogging (5 mph / 8 km/h) – 8 METs – 30 minutes

- Strength training (circuit, vigorous) – 8 METs – 31 minutes

- Running (6 mph / 9.6 km/h) – 10 METs – 25 minutes

- Jump rope (moderate) – 11.8 METs – 21 minutes

The law of dimishing marginal returns in action, to some extent.

With that being said, I imagine that it depends on the goals of the individual. Burning calories, for instance, is a worthy pursuit and walking helps a bit.

Thanks