172. Why NEAT is So Powerful for Health and Weight Loss

2025-05-13

Most people think the gym is where the magic happens, but the real calorie-burner might be everything you're doing outside of it. Dr. Andrew Fix introduces the concept of NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and explains why these unstructured movements might be your biggest opportunity for burning calories and boosting energy. Think walking to the store, standing at your desk, or carrying your groceries instead of pushing a cart. These moments may seem minor, but they can add up to 30% or more of your daily energy expenditure. How much are you r...

Most people think the gym is where the magic happens, but the real calorie-burner might be everything you're doing outside of it.

Dr. Andrew Fix introduces the concept of NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and explains why these unstructured movements might be your biggest opportunity for burning calories and boosting energy. Think walking to the store, standing at your desk, or carrying your groceries instead of pushing a cart. These moments may seem minor, but they can add up to 30% or more of your daily energy expenditure.

How much are you really moving outside the gym? Are you relying too heavily on your workouts to do all the heavy lifting?

This episode makes a strong case for rethinking how we approach weight loss and daily activity. If your goal is to increase energy, feel better in your body, or make progress without overhauling your routine, this is a strategy worth paying attention to.

Quotes

“Most people that exercise regularly, this is only accounting for like 5% to 10%. Think about how much time in the day you spend exercising compared to what you spend doing other things.” (03:23 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“Little things can add up and make a huge difference.” (04:41 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“This NEAT can really be a game changer when it comes to: Is somebody getting enough movement in? How many calories are you actually burning throughout the day?” (05:31 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“One of the most powerful and beneficial things you can do anyways for your health is, from a blood sugar standpoint, if you could structure it to go for a 5- or 10-minute walk after each of your meals.” (06:57 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“Something as small as tapping your foot, fidgeting, getting down on the floor when you’re watching a television show or a game or a movie, and do some light mobility work or some light stretching, as opposed to sitting on the couch… it doesn't have to be complicated, but it can be super powerful.” (08:24 | Dr. Andrew Fix)

Links

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/22/1189303227/neat-fitness-non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis

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