What term describes the energy expended during basic daily activities like fidgeting and standing?

The correct choice that describes the energy expended during basic daily activities, such as fidgeting and standing, is non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). NEAT refers specifically to the calories burned through non-volitional movements—activities that are not formally considered exercise, including every day movements like walking around the office, doing household chores, and even activities that seem minor, like fidgeting or standing.

NEAT is crucial in understanding overall energy expenditure because it can significantly contribute to the daily caloric burn and plays a role in weight management. By increasing NEAT, individuals can create a larger caloric deficit without formal exercise, which can be particularly beneficial for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight in conjunction with a structured exercise plan.

The other choices represent different aspects of energy expenditure. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) refers to the energy required for maintaining basic physiological functions at rest. Exercise activity thermogenesis encompasses the calories burned during structured physical exercise. The thermic effect of food refers specifically to the calories expended to digest, absorb, and metabolize food. While all these factors play a role in total daily energy expenditure, NEAT is distinctly focused on the energy burned through daily non-exercise-related activities.