A variety of research studies have shown that the "fidget factor" may be one contributor to avoiding obesity. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic (among other research facilities) have observed that lean subjects tend to expend an average of 350 more calories per day than their obese counterparts. But these calories were burned in a rather unexpected way--through what is referred to as "non-exercise activity thermogenisis," or "NEAT" activities.
Obesity-resistant individuals and animals tend to simply move more throughout their day, whether intentionally or unintentionally. They fidget more, stand more, and engage in more movement in their "activities of daily living" when compared to obese individuals and animals.
The simple act of standing can burn 20 calories per hour and mindlessly tapping your toes while sitting can burn 9 calories per hour. Imagine the metabolic bonfire you could light if you decided to stroll around your room while talking on the phone or clear the clutter from your room during television commercials? Can you doodle during your meetings or keep all of your dishes in lower cupboards, causing you to squat down to reach them? What other NEAT activities can you include in your day that your mind won't necessarily notice but your waistline surely will?
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