Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (), also known as non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), is energy expenditure during activities that are not part of a structured exercise program. NEAT includes physical activity at the workplace, hobbies, standing instead of sitting, walking around, climbing stairs, doing chores, and

fidgeting Fidgeting is the act of moving about restlessly in a way that is not ( socially recognized as) essential to ongoing tasks or events. Fidgeting may involve playing with one's fingers, hair, or personal objects (e.g. glasses, pens or items of clot ...

. Besides differences in body composition, it represents most of the variation in energy expenditure across individuals and populations, accounting from 6-10 percent to as much as 50 percent of energy expenditure in highly active individuals.

Relationship with obesity

NEAT is the main component of activity-related energy expenditure in obese individuals, as most do not do any physical exercise. NEAT, also known as nonresting energy expenditure, is also lower in obese individuals than the general population. NEAT may be reduced in individuals who have lost weight, which some hypothesize contributes to difficulties in achieving and sustaining

weight loss Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat (adipose tissue), or lean mass (namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other conn ...

. In Western countries, occupations have shifted from physical labor to sedentary work, which results in a loss of energy expenditure. Strenuous physical labor can require 1500 calories or more per day than desk work.

Relationship with exercise

It is debated whether there is a significant reduction in NEAT after beginning a structured exercise program.

Health benefits

Lack of NEAT and development of obesity are posited as an explanation for health harms for prolonged

sitting Sitting is a basic action and resting position in which the body weight is supported primarily by the bony ischial tuberosities with the buttocks in contact with the ground or a horizontal surface such as a chair seat, instead of by the low ...

Measurement

Accelerometers and questionnaires can be used to estimate NEAT.

References

{{reflist Human physiology Metabolism