RP Strength Podcast You NEED TO KNOW About Pontzer's Paradox (ft. Eric Trexler)
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Aug 18, 2025 Eric Trexler, a researcher at Duke University and expert in human energy expenditure, dives into Pontzer's Paradox, revealing why more physical activity doesn’t always mean burning more calories. He shares insights on the brain's efficiency and how it impacts dieting strategies. The discussion explores energy expenditure limits, including fascinating studies on pregnant marathon runners. Trexler also emphasizes the dangers of extreme dieting and the importance of consistency for sustainable fitness and nutrition success.
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Eric’s Powerlifting To Cutting Experience
- Eric described burning ~4,500 calories during heavy powerlifting phases and dropping to ~1,800 when cutting.
- That personal experience drove his interest in studying human energy expenditure.
TDEE Plateaus At High Activity
- Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) plateaus despite massive increases in activity, often around 2.5× BMR long-term.
- This 'Pontzer paradox' shows bodies compensate to limit energy costs across extreme activity levels.
Energy Budgeting Is Evolutionary
- Energy-budgeting adaptations span species and contexts, from birds migrating to humans hunting.
- These deep mechanisms evolved to prevent starvation when activity rose but food was scarce.