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Losing Weight Through NEAT

December 3, 2024

Our bodies require calories to run effectively and efficiently.  The vast majority of our daily caloric needs are required to support our body’s metabolism and cellular functions.  Roughly 10-20% of our daily calories go toward fueling our exercise participation each day.  If these burned calories are not replaced by increased consumption a caloric deficit is created and weight loss follows.

An often overlooked area of caloric needs is found in a category under the acronym NEAT.  Non exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the formal name of the calories we burn with all the activity we perform outside of formal exercise.  Examples include standing at your desk, taking a walking meeting, climbing the stairs vs. elevator, cleaning your place, and taking care of your yard.

NEAT’s impact is substantial because it can be 2-3x the caloric burn of an individual’s exercise program and is easier to maintain each day.  Aim to move more each day in a variety of ways as you complete your daily activities.  Incorporating this NEAT into your day can be a great tool to achieve your weight loss goals after initiating an exercise program.

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