Table 1

Physical activity level (PAL) energy cost expressed as multiples of the Basal Metabolic Rate (WHO, 1985) with definition and examples.

Sedentary to moderate activities (PAL Energy Cost 1.40 to 1.99)

Sleeping*

8 hours of sleep

1.0

Commuting

Commuting to/from work or farm on the bus or jeepney

1.2

Leisure activities

Light leisure activities, watching television, chatting

1.4

Sitting

Sitting, office work, selling produce, tending shop

1.5

Eating

Eating

1.5

Vigorous activities (PAL Energy Cost 2.0 to 2.4)

Driving

Driving car or jeepney to/from work or farm

2.0

Cooking

Cooking

2.1

Standing

Standing carrying light loads, waiting on tables, arranging merchandise

2.2

Personal care

Personal care, dressing, showering

2.3

Chores

Non-mechanized domestic chores, sweeping, washing clothes, doing dishes by hand

2.3

Hard work (PAL Energy Cost >2.5)

Household work

General household work

2.8

Walking

Walking at varying paces without a load

3.2

Agricultural work

Non-mechanical agricultural work, planting, weeding, gathering

4.1

Carrying load

Collecting water or wood

4.4

*8 hours of sleep is equivalent to 1.0 energy cost

Risonar et al. Nutrition Journal 2009 8:19   doi:10.1186/1475-2891-8-19