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Burn

The Misunderstood Science of Metabolism

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

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 20 years, Evolutionary Biologist Herman Pontzer has conducted ground-breaking studies across a range of settings, including pioneering fieldwork with 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, Pontzer explores the ways in which metabolism controls every aspect of our health - from fertility to immune function - and reveals the truth about the dynamic system that sustains us. Filled with facts and memorable anecdotes, Burn will change the way you think about food, exercise and life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Herman Pontzer (P)2021 Penguin Audio Biological Sciences Biology Diets, Nutrition & Healthy Eating Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Science Nutrition Healthy Diet Thought-Provoking Physical Exercise
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The book is fascinating but it took me several chapters before I could phase out the annoying nasally voice of the narrator - I can only assume they felt someone with a slightly manic voice fit the theme of ‘burn’ and maybe American readers won’t find it so grating but it really did dent my enjoyment of this book!

Great book, annoying narrator

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Good use of storytelling to explain researched findings about how Humans have developed their metabolic system.
Quite surprised about some aspects.

Enlightening

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Really enjoyed it. The central premise - constrained daily energy expenditure - was a real eye opened for me. Good to have such knowledge to tailor one's nutrition and excersie regimens. The narration was a bit irritating at first but I got used to it after a couple of hours.

Very informative book

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Book is very interesting but often tries way too hard to be a cool pop science book by attempting to be funny/wacky. As an example, I am two chapters in and have already had enough of the frequent references to "Florida/California Man" etc.

As a UK listener, I am also finding the performance quite difficult as the reader's accent is not easy on my ears, if you are thinking of listening and are a native English speaker, try a sample before commiting.

Trying too hard

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Really enjoyed this. I learned a lot. The author treated multiple views respectfully but clearly presented his case with evidence. The author's very direct experience with metabolism science and measurement plus lots of first hand experience with hunter gather tribes gives him what must be a very unusual and clearly expert view of the subject. If you want an objective view from a real expert, read this book.

Excellent informative book

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