Introduction
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expended for everything we do that is NOT sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise. It ranges from the energy expended walking to work, typing on your laptop, caring for your animals and general fidgeting. Trivial physical activities can increase metabolic rate substantially and the accumulation of this exothermic action is what contributes to an individual’s daily NEAT.
Research has seen that individuals who live an agricultural manual way of life have a higher NEAT than those who live within industrialisation.
What is Thermogenesis?
Thermogenesis is a metabolic activity that occurs in every living organism. During this process the body burns calories to generate energy or heat.
Examples of NEAT
Changing your posture while sitting or laying down
Going on foot rather than driving
Cleaning your house
Stretching your body
Working at a standing desk
Climbing the stairs
Fidgeting
Gardening
Washing your car
Singing
Typing
How to increase NEAT
Set alarms to move between meetings
Maintain a journal
Fidget
Make house chores fun
Walk instead of drive
Stretch while watching TV
Learn a musical instrument
The importance of NEAT
NEAT plays a fundamental role among people who tend to stay slim no matter how much they eat. Regulation of NEAT is believed to be directly linked to any change in the body’s energy balance. Its contribution cannot be ignored! Energy balance is maintained when the body equally utilises the calories consumed in the form of food & drink.
The benefits of NEAT
Reduces the chance of developing any chronic disorder
Improved heart health
Increased life span
Boosts mental health
Increases metabolism
Factors that regulate NEAT
Environmental- Occupational constraints, sedentary lifestyle and seasonal temperature
Biological- Gender, weight, biological composition and genetics
Body systems involved in NEAT
Your body’s neuroendocrine system works hand in hand with different organs and tissues to regulate the NEAT mechanism. Internal sensors such as the gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, pancreas, endocrine glands, liver, skeletal muscles and neural signs are all involved in NEAT. External stimuli such as touch, smell, body position, vision and hearing are also included in NEAT regulation.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, stay tuned where our next blog post will carry on from here, talking all about Total Daily Energy Expenditure!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Well wishes,
Liv
BSc Hons Sports Therapy MSST
MSc Strength and Conditioning
07761887778
@injuryrecoverycentre
References
Levine, J. A (2002), ‘Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)’, Best Practical Research Clinical Endocrinol Metab, 16(4) 679-702.
