How Many Calories Do You Burn Without Exercise?

Calories are a measure of energy that our body uses to function on a daily basis. While exercise is a great way to burn extra calories, it is not the only factor that determines the number of calories we burn in a day. In fact, we burn calories even when we are not exercising. This is known as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). NEAT is the energy we use for activities such as standing, walking, and even typing.

BMR is influenced by several factors, including age, weight, height, and gender. As a general rule, the more muscle a person has, the higher their BMR will be. This is because muscle burns more calories than fat. So, even without exercise, a person with a higher muscle mass will burn more calories than someone with less muscle.

In addition to BMR, the number of calories burned without exercise also includes the energy used for daily activities such as walking, talking, and even digestion. These activities are known as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and can account for a significant portion of the calories burned each day.

The amount of calories we burn without exercise is known as our basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is the number of calories our body needs to function at rest, and it makes up the majority of our daily calorie expenditure. The BMR is determined by several factors including age, gender, weight, and height.

In addition to BMR, other factors that influence the number of calories we burn without exercise include:

Body composition: Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue. Therefore, individuals with higher muscle mass tend to have a higher BMR.

Genetics: Our BMR is largely influenced by our genetics. Some people naturally have a higher BMR, which means they burn more calories without exercise.

Thermic effect of food: The energy used to digest and absorb food is known as the thermic effect of food. This can account for up to 10% of our daily calorie expenditure.

Non-exercise activities: As mentioned earlier, NEAT is the energy we use for activities such as standing, walking, and typing. The more we move, the more calories we burn.

The number of calories we burn without exercise can vary greatly from person to person, but on average, a sedentary person burns about 1,400-1,600 calories per day. This means that if we do not engage in any physical activity, our body will still burn a significant amount of calories just to keep us alive.

To calculate your BMR, you can use an online calculator or the following formula:

For men: BMR = 66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) – (6.8 x age in years)

For women: BMR = 655 + (4.35 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) – (4.7 x age in years)

It is also important to note that the number of calories burned without exercise can be influenced by a person’s diet. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain and a decrease in the number of calories burned each day. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can help increase the number of calories burned and promote weight loss.

In conclusion, while exercise is a great way to burn extra calories, it is not the only factor that determines the number of calories we burn in a day. Our BMR, body composition, genetics, thermic effect of food, and non-exercise activities all play a role in the number of calories we burn without exercise. On average, a sedentary person burns about 1,400-1,600 calories per day, but this can vary greatly from person to person.