Ologies with Alie Ward

Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer

Jan 31, 2024

Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer: Explore debunking dieting myths, mitochondrial backstories, flaws of the Body Mass Index, crash dieting's impact on metabolism, exercise for hunter gatherers, carnivore diets, and more with Professor Herman Pontzer, a metabolism researcher.

01:24:54

Creator website

Episode guests

Herman Pontzer

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Highlights

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Extreme dieting can lead to a slowdown in metabolism and have negative effects on weight loss.

Illegal substances that claim to boost metabolism are dangerous and can cause severe health consequences.

Exercise alone cannot significantly increase metabolism; factors such as genetics and diet also play important roles.

Deep dives

Metabolism and Products: Can metabolism be boosted with products?

No, there are no products that can significantly boost your metabolism. Some illegal substances may increase metabolism, but they are dangerous and can have severe health consequences.

The Peculiar Way Humans Make Calories and the Issue of Obesity

01:43

Exploring Overeating and the Role of Hormones in Hunger and Satiety

04:33

Understanding BMI and Its Limitations

01:39

Metabolism Changes throughout Life Stages

01:04

Introduction

4min

Metabolism and Energy Expenditure

9min

The Role of Mitochondria in Energy Production

21min

Addressing Stigma and Terminology Preferences in Body Fat Composition

18min

Discussion on Body Image and Health, Charity Donation, and Metabolism

5min

Boosting Metabolism and Measuring Calories

6min

Exercise as a Treatment for Depression

21min

Regulation in Science, Impact of Sleep on Metabolism, and Love for the Job

2min

Closing Remarks and Personal Anecdote

2min

*Content warning up top: This episode discusses sensitive themes like diet culture, caloric intake, the psychological & physical effects of food restriction and includes many listeners’ personal experience with the term “obesity." It may be triggering for those with a history of or sensitivity to disordered eating. We also discuss the Body Mass Index, still used by medical professionals, but acknowledged by many sociologists to be rooted in structural oppression.*

Let’s explore our human machinery. And talk about Brazilian butt lifts. Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and metabolism researcher Dr. Herman Pontzer gives us the data on mitochondrial backstories, muscle mass and hormones, our expanding brains, the flaws of the Body Mass Index, humans’ relationships with nutrition, why crash dieting can change your metabolism, perspectives on sticky medical terms, isotope magic, how much exercise hunter gatherers get, carnivore diets, scales, and what to do if you're grappling with sadness.

Visit the Pontzer Lab website

Browse Dr. Pontzer’s papers on ResearchGate and follow him on Instagram and X

Buy Dr. Pontzer’s book, Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Stay Healthy, and Lose Weight

A donation went to Hadza Fund

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Ologies with Alie Ward

Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Metabolism and Products: Can metabolism be boosted with products?

The Biggest Loser Study: Did extreme dieting slow down metabolism?

DNP and Metabolism: Can DNP be used to boost metabolism?

Exercise and Metabolism: Can exercise significantly boost metabolism?

Exercise and Calorie Burning

Metabolism and Weight Loss

The Peculiar Way Humans Make Calories and the Issue of Obesity

Exploring Overeating and the Role of Hormones in Hunger and Satiety

Understanding BMI and Its Limitations

Metabolism Changes throughout Life Stages

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts