NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)
The calories burned through everyday non-exercise activities like walking, standing, and household chores.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis — the calories you burn doing everyday activities that are not formal exercise. This includes walking to the MRT station, taking the stairs, doing household chores, fidgeting, and even standing instead of sitting. Small increases in NEAT throughout the day can add up to significant extra calorie burn over time.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis encompasses all energy expended for activities excluding sleeping, eating, and planned exercise. NEAT is the most variable component of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), ranging from 15% in sedentary individuals to over 50% in highly active occupations. Research by Levine et al. demonstrated that inter-individual NEAT differences can account for up to 2,000 kcal/day, making it a critical determinant of weight regulation independent of structured exercise.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
For patients who struggle to maintain weight despite regular gym sessions, increasing NEAT can be the missing piece. Dr. Joseph Wang and the Accord Medical team incorporate NEAT strategies into personalised lifestyle plans — small changes that fit into your Singaporean daily routine.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
