James Levine

Researchers Find a Key to 'Low Metabolism;' Major Factor in Obesity

Wiggle, walk, tap your toes, shop, dance, clean your basement, play the guitar to boost your NEAT -- or if you're a scientist, your "non-exercise activity thermogenesis." Mayo Clinic researchers report in today's issue of the journal Science that NEAT -- more powerful than formal exercise -- determines who is lean, and who is obese. Obese persons sit, on average, 150 minutes more each day than their naturally lean counterparts. This means obese people burn 350 fewer calories a day than do lean people.