What term describes the energy expended during activities such as walking at work and fidgeting?

The term that describes the energy expended during activities such as walking at work and fidgeting is non-exercise activity thermogenesis, often referred to as NEAT. NEAT encompasses all the calories burned through daily activities that are not formal exercise, including any movement that occurs in the course of day-to-day living. This can include walking from your car to your office, standing while working, or even small movements like tapping your foot.

Understanding NEAT is crucial because it highlights how everyday activities can significantly contribute to overall energy expenditure. By increasing NEAT, individuals can enhance their caloric burn without requiring structured exercise sessions, making it a practical approach for weight management and overall health improvement.

In contrast, exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT) specifically refers to the energy expended during structured physical activities or exercise, which does not include the spontaneous daily movements captured by NEAT. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) refers to the energy expended while at rest and does not account for any additional activities or movements. The thermic effect of food (TEF) pertains to the energy used in the digestion and absorption of food, which is separate from the energy expended during physical activities. Therefore, NEAT is the most accurate term for