Research paper
Levine JA. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2002 Dec;16(4):679-702. doi:10.1053/beem.2002.0227. PMID: 12468415.
Why we cite it
The foundational review defining NEAT as a concept and establishing its role in energy balance. NEAT encompasses all physical activity energy expenditure beyond structured exercise — walking, standing, fidgeting, occupational tasks, yard work, typing. This 24-page review predates and laid the groundwork for the landmark 2005 Science paper (cne01). Relevant to companion 371 as an overview of why total daily activity (not just BMR or formal exercise) matters for energy expenditure.
About the author
James A. Levine, MD, PhD, was at the Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota at time of publication. Coined the term NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis). Currently President of Fondation Ipsen (Paris); retains professorships at Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale), Arizona State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Umeå University (Sweden). Inventor of the treadmill desk. NASA Invention of the Year Award. Over 100 NEAT-related publications. Also author of cne01 (Levine et al. 2005), the landmark Science paper demonstrating that lean individuals stand/walk 2.5 hours more per day than obese individuals. See cne01 for full author details.