The embodiment of the invention discloses a method for prompting a user state. The method comprises the steps that a GPS module of a terminal is used to detect position information of the terminal; whether the position information of the terminal departs from initial position information of the terminal is judged, wherein an initial position of the terminal is acquired by the GPS module of the terminal; if the position information does not depart from the initial position information, first duration used by the position information of the terminal to depart from the initial position information of the terminal is counted; and prompt information is generated and displayed when the first duration exceeds a preset first time threshold value. In addition, the embodiment of the invention also discloses a device for prompting the user state. Through application of the method and device disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, a user can be reminded to walk after long-time sitting or long-time standing.