NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

Calories burned from movement that isn’t formal exercise, like walking and chores.

Definition

NEAT includes daily movement outside structured workouts—standing, fidgeting, walking at work, chores, and general activity. For many people, NEAT is a major driver of differences in total calorie burn.

Example

Two people with the same workout routine can have different NEAT based on daily steps.

See also