NEAT includes physical activity at the workplace, hobbies, standing instead of sitting, walking around, climbing stairs, doing chores, and fidgeting.
[4] NEAT is the main component of activity-related energy expenditure in obese individuals, as most do not do any physical exercise.
[1] In Western countries, occupations have shifted from physical labor to sedentary work, which results in a loss of energy expenditure.
[3] It is debated whether there is a significant reduction in NEAT after beginning a structured exercise program.
[5][6][7] Lack of NEAT is posited as an explanation for health harms for prolonged sitting.