NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

Definition

Calories burned through daily activities (walking, fidgeting, existing) that actually matter more than your gym sessions for total energy expenditure.

Example Usage

Increasing NEAT through daily walking is often more sustainable for weight loss than intense workouts.

Origin

Coined by researcher James Levine in the 2000s

Fun Fact

NEAT can vary by 2,000+ calories per day between individuals with similar jobs—explaining why some people stay lean without trying.

Source: Nutrition Science and Energy Balance Research

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