A quick bit of maths for you.
So the question is how much extra energy do we burn if we move more at work?
Of course the answer is it depends! But for the purpose of this illustration let’s make some assumptions, here they are
- We’re going to use the avearage weight of the UK adult which is 75.8kg (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/earthnews/9345086/The-worlds-fattest-countries-how-do-you-compare.html)
- We’re going to use the energy used as per the MET compendium (https://sites.google.com/site/compendiumofphysicalactivities/home), specifically
- 1.5 METs occupation sitting tasks, light effort (e.g., office work, chemistry lab work, computer work, reading, desk work) – code 11580
- 1.5 METs occupation sitting meetings, light effort, general, and/or with talking involved (e.g., eating at a business meeting) – code 11585
- 13030 1.5METs eating, sitting
- 2.0 METs occupation walking on job, less than 2.0 mph, very slow speed, in office or lab area – code 11791
- 3.0 METs occupation standing tasks, light effort (e.g., standing and talking at work, standing) – code 11600
- 3.5 METs walking 3.0 mph, level, moderate pace, firm surface, not carrying anything – code 11792 /16060
- 4.3 METs brisk walking, not carrying anything – code 11793
- We’re going to assume an 8 hour working day
So here’s the maths…
A 1 hr standing meeting uses 113kcal more than a sitting meeting for the avearage UK adult
A brisk walk at lunchtime uses 212 kcal more than sitting to eat at your desk 🙂
