NEAT

There is a physiological process which may help in part to explain why some people are 'naturally slim' while others who eat no more calories seem to accrue excess weight more easily. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis or NEAT for short. NEAT includes muscle tone, maintaining posture and fidgeting.


Basically, people burn 'incidental' calories through activity that doesn't count as exercise, and quite probably they are unaware of. This influences how much of excess calories taken in will be burned off or how much will be stored.

Small potatoes individually, (thermogenesis accounts for 10% of Total Energy Expenditure), but over a month, a year, a life-time, it could mean a significant accumulation of body fat; as little as 100kcal per day for a year leads to 10lb (4.5kg) weight gain.

It also explains the benefit of muscle toning exercise aside from calorie expenditure. Get into that pilates class today!