In the results of a study done in 2005, James Levine, a research physician at The Mayo Clinic, found that those of us who move more during the day actually burn more calories than those who are less active. Nothing new here except that Levine wasn’t talking about jogging or walking miles at a time. His study tested the difference in everyday movements that thin and obese people make and how it affects the number of calories they burn.
Movements like getting up to change the television station, swinging your leg when it is crossed or drumming your fingers on your desktop while you wait for an email to open all count towards your NEAT rating (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis). NEAT takes into account the calories a person burns performing normal daily routines like standing or sitting. The more you move, the more calories you burn.
Levine’s study showed that thin people have a higher NEAT rating. If you are trying to lose weight, it's something to keep in mind and it’s pretty much painless.
For more information, visit http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/levine_lab/about.cfm.
By Teresa K. Flatley