METminutes

METminutes, commonly written as MET-minutes, is a unit used to quantify the total energy expended during physical activity. It combines the intensity of activity, expressed as a MET value, with the duration in minutes, and sums this product across all activities performed in a given period, typically a week. One MET equals the energy cost of sitting quietly, approximately 1 kcal per kilogram of body weight per hour for an average adult.

Calculation: MET-minutes = MET value × minutes engaged in the activity. For example, walking at about 3.3 METs for 30 minutes yields 99 MET-minutes; jogging at 7 METs for 20 minutes yields 140 MET-minutes. A person accumulating 150 minutes of moderate activity per week at roughly 4 METs would reach about 600 MET-minutes.

Uses: MET-minutes provide a single metric to compare energy expenditure across different activities and to monitor total weekly activity. They are commonly used in epidemiological studies and public health guidelines to assess adherence to recommendations, summarize activity levels, and estimate health risks associated with physical inactivity. They can be derived from self-reported activity logs or wearable-tracking data that assign MET values to activities.

Limitations: MET values are population averages and may not reflect individual energy costs. The metric assumes constant intensity and does not account for non-ambulatory activities with unusual energy demands. It may be affected by reporting bias and does not capture all factors influencing fitness, such as muscular strength or rehabilitation contexts.

See also: MET, physical activity guidelines, energy expenditure.