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Spontaneous physical activity: relationship between fidgeting and body weight control
Darcy L Johannsen1, Eric Ravussin
1Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA. Darcy.Johannsen@pbrc.edu
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Spontaneous physical activity varies greatly between individuals and significantly impacts body weight regulation. Promoting non-exercise activity, especially in sedentary environments, is key to increasing daily energy expenditure.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Human Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Spontaneous physical activity (SPA) significantly contributes to daily energy expenditure.
- Large interindividual variations in SPA exist, influencing body weight regulation.
- SPA is a familial trait with biological underpinnings, though environmental factors play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of spontaneous physical activity in body weight regulation.
- To explore reasons for the wide variance in spontaneous physical activity among individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of cross-sectional and prospective studies on spontaneous physical activity.
- Analysis of familial and biological influences on spontaneous physical activity.
- Examination of environmental impacts on spontaneous physical activity behavior.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous physical activity shows significant interindividual variability, affecting total daily energy expenditure.
- Cross-sectional data indicate an inverse relationship between SPA and body weight.
- Prospective studies demonstrate an inverse association between SPA and weight gain; experimental weight changes do not alter SPA behavior.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous physical activity is a biologically influenced behavior crucial for weight management.
- Interventions targeting non-exercise activity in workplaces and schools can increase energy expenditure.
- Addressing sedentary environments is essential to promote increased daily spontaneous physical activity.
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