Nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise. This includes activities such as walking, standing, fidgeting, and even activities of daily living like cleaning and gardening. NEAT can vary significantly between individuals and can contribute a substantial portion of total daily energy expenditure.
Dr. James Levine, a researcher, coined the term NEAT and has extensively studied its impact on weight management. He proposed that small, spontaneous physical activities, like tapping your foot or standing up while talking on the phone, can collectively have a significant impact on calorie expenditure over time.
NEAT can be influenced by various factors, including occupation, lifestyle, and personal habits. For example, individuals with jobs that involve a lot of physical activity or those who have active lifestyles tend to have higher NEAT levels. On the other hand, sedentary jobs or lifestyles can contribute to lower NEAT levels.
Understanding and incorporating NEAT into daily life can be beneficial for overall health and weight management. Simple changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or incorporating short walks into your routine, can contribute to increased NEAT and help burn more calories throughout the day.