Walking slowly around the home equals 2.0 METs. What intensity is this?

• A. Moderate
• B. Light
• C. Vigorous
• D. Very vigorous

Answer: (B)

Understanding METs helps describe how hard the body has to work during activity. METs compare energy cost to resting energy use; one MET is the energy you use at rest. An activity at 2.0 METs uses about twice resting energy, which places it in the light intensity range. Light intensity is roughly 1.5–3 METs, while moderate is about 3–6 METs and vigorous is 6 or more METs. Walking slowly around the home at 2.0 METs therefore qualifies as light intensity.