The Key to Weight Loss: NEAT. This stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It’s one of four components that make up your total daily energy expenditure, along with basal metabolic rate, diet-induced thermogenesis, and activity-related energy expenditure. NEAT is a key to weight loss.
NEAT plays a vital role in the weight loss process and is often the x-factor in placing you in a daily caloric deficit and has been dubbed the key to weight loss in many cases.
Because fat loss ultimately comes down to energy balance, calories in vs. calories out, you must take advantage of all weapons in your arsenal and burn additional calories throughout the day by being active. One of these weapons is through increasing your daily step count.
How Peak Health & Performance Implements NEAT
At Peak Health & Performance, we promote that clients wishing to lose body weight monitor their steps. Monitoring can be accomplished by using a pedometer, FitBit or even the Health app on their phones.
We have our clients aim for 10,000 steps per day. This amount of steps is a reasonable goal for most people and puts you in the category of being “active”.
Reaching 10,000 steps per day can be achieved by including the following in your every day routine:
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Performing chores around the house
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Using standing desk instead of sitting
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Going for a lunchtime walk
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Skipping the elevator and instead take the stairs
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Walking around your work place every hour
One of the biggest factors when people gain weight after losing it is that they deem expending those extra calories unnecessary because they’ve already lost the weight. It’s important to make NEAT a part of your daily routine to stay healthy and keeping the weight off.
Although NEAT may not play as big a role in total energy expenditure as the other components, it can definitely contribute to the achievement of your health and fitness goals.
Dan Wiktorek
Owner & Director
Peak Health & Performance
