Burn Calories The NEAT Way - Mapmygenome

Burn Calories the NEAT Way

Burn calories and lose weight when you are not at the gym. Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) helps burn calories through daily activities performed in intervals or continuously during the day. “Be active naturally” — Dr James Levine’s wisdom on NEAT is an eye-opener for people who are either reluctant or unsure of making major lifestyle interventions.

An 8-hour work schedule is long enough, but if you’re walking around a large office, talking to people, and fidgeting at your desk, that’s NEATer than just a 30-minute morning run followed by 8 hours of screen time.

How Does NEAT Work?

The exact mechanism underlying NEAT is still under investigation. However, the final outcome and impact on weight management and wellness is sufficiently established. NEAT levels differ from one day to the next within an individual, and between individuals too. Bottom line: you are better off spending energy throughout the day (in little or big blocks) instead of a sedentary lifestyle.

Advantages of NEAT

• Economical — it’s free

• Reduced mental fatigue

• Improved energy levels for post-work and family activities

• Reduces risk for obesity and lifestyle syndromes

• Great maintenance for fitness enthusiasts between formal exercise programmes

• Medical conditions like a poor back (which might prevent high-intensity training) need not be a roadblock to your fitness resolutions

Limitations of NEAT

• Not a stand-alone weight-loss solution or replacement for a training routine

• May not work for people forced to stand or sit all day due to occupational constraints

NEAT Ways to Stay Fit

Mow, garden, clean, dust, teach, lift (weights or children), cook, dance (in the shower), shop, scoot up the staircase (two stairs at a time), organise cupboards and drawers, watch TV while on a Swiss ball… the list is endless. Improved fitness enhances your happiness quotient. Let’s get moving!