What is NEAT calorie burn?

NEAT, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis, refers to the calories burned through daily activities that are not designated as exercise, such as walking, standing, or even fidgeting. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, NEAT can significantly contribute to daily calorie burn, sometimes accounting for as much as 800 to 1000 calories per day depending on the individual's level of activity. This is largely because some individuals naturally have higher levels of physical activity that aren't intentional exercises, such as moving more during conversations, having jobs that require standing or walking, or simply being more fidgety.

In one notable study Andrew Huberman discusses, individuals were overfed by 1000 calories a day, and while most gained weight as expected, one individual didn't gain much because they increased their physical activity levels without consciously trying to do so, leading to higher NEAT (1). This demonstrates how variable NEAT can be based on individual behaviors and the potential impact it can have on energy expenditure.