calculate energy expenditure

Physical Activity for Everyone: Physical Activity Terms

MET
The standard metabolic equivalent, or MET, level. This unit is used to estimate the amount of oxygen used by the body during physical activity.

1 MET = the energy (oxygen) used by the body as you sit quietly, perhaps while talking on the phone or reading a book.
The harder your body works during the activity, the higher the MET.

* Any activity that burns 3 to 6 METs is considered moderate-intensity physical activity.
* Any activity that burns > 6 METs is considered vigorous-intensity physical activity.


=========

A heavier person burns more calories, so the same amount of physical activity can actually burn the same number of calories but more quickly.