Burn: The Misunderstood Science of Metabolism

(Paperback)

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Description

A myth-busting tour of the body's hidden foundations from a pioneering evolutionary biologist Why do so many diets lead to more weight gain Do more active people have faster metabolisms Is exercise essential for weight loss Over the past twenty years, evolutionary biologist Herman Ponzter has conducted ground-breaking studies across a range of settings, including pioneering fieldwork and Hadza hunter-gatherers in northern Tanzania. This book draws on his eye-opening research to show how, contrary to received wisdom, exercise does not increase our metabolism. Instead, we burn calories within a very narrow range- nearly 3,000 calories per day, no matter our activity level. By taking a closer look at what happens to the energy we consume, Ponzter explores the ways in which metabolism controls every aspect of our health - from fertility to immune function - and reveals the truth about the dynamic systems that sustains us. Filled with facts and memorable anecdotes, Burn will change the way you think about food, exercise and life.

Reviews

Pontzer's findings have huge implications for our attitudes to exercise, diet and public health -- Mark Webster * Sunday Times *
Ground-breaking, fascinating, important . . . we were astounded -- Deliciously Ella * Delicious Ways to Feel Better *
A fun, fast-paced, eye-opening, and innovative book that will revolutionize how you think about the energy that fuels your body and everything you do -- Daniel E. Lieberman, author of Exercised and The Story of the Human Body
Burn is science writing at its best... will reshape what you thought you knew about how our metabolisms work -- Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Endure
Burn will make you question what you think you know about metabolism and your waistline -- Stephan Guyenet, PhD, author of The Hungry Brain
Herman Pontzer is one of the most gifted science writers of our time -- Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author of The Joy of Movement

Author Bio

Herman Ponzter is Associate Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University and Associate Research Professor of Global Health at the Duke Global Health Institute.