MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task)
A unit expressing energy cost relative to resting metabolic rate. 1 MET ≈ 1 kcal per kg per hour.
Definition
MET = ratio of metabolic rate during activity to resting metabolic rate. Sitting quietly is 1 MET; running 6 mph is 9.8 METs. The Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.) catalogs MET values for 800+ activities. Multiply MET × weight_kg × duration_hours to estimate calories burned — more accurate than wearable estimates for most activities.
Formula
calories_burned = MET × weight_kg × duration_hours
Related body terms
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