Energy balance
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) is the most variable component of total daily energy expenditure, ranging from 15% in sedentary individuals to over 50% in highly active individuals, and serves as a primary physiological mechanism for counterbalancing positive energy balance (fat gain) and negative energy balance (weight loss).
Focus on increasing your daily non-exercise movement (NEAT) rather than relying solely on gym workouts. This includes taking standing desks, walking during phone calls, fidgeting, and choosing active transportation. These small, frequent movements accumulate to significantly impact your total energy expenditure and can help counteract overeating or support weight loss efforts.
NEAT is the most variable component of energy expenditure, both within and between subjects, and ranges from about 15% of total daily energy expenditure in very sedentary individuals to 50% or more of total daily energy expenditure in highly active individuals.
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple controlled overfeeding/underfeeding studies and large epidemiological datasets, though it acknowledges a lack of definitive prospective longitudinal studies for population-level obesity genesis.
Source
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)
James A. Levine · Nutrition Reviews · 2004
DOI 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2004.tb00094.x
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