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  • Burn

  • The Misunderstood Science of Metabolism
  • By: Herman Pontzer
  • Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
  • Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (141 ratings)
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Burn

By: Herman Pontzer
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
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Summary

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

What listeners say about Burn

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Abit disappointing

Overall - when it comes to the science of metabolism, nothing really new in here. The early part comparing energy expenditure between Apes/monkeys and people is quite interesting, but over all this doesn't really give much outside of time put into exercise is largely useless and to put the fork down.

Complete tangent towards the end about climate change and fossil fuels which seemed to be rushed couple of chapters to "fill" the rest of the book, but had no relevance to the actual topic of the book.

Not something I would recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent informative book

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.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow

wow. what a book. one of best nooks I ve listened too on the subject of exercise, health and fitness. chapter 2 gets technical. but stick with it it gets far easier. some great story telling.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent! truly exceptional book

your really learn from this book. the humanity of the author and his respect for the reader makes this man's important research shine.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exercise is healthy. Eating poorly is the problem.

A great insight into our body's use of energy and how it compensates and constrains the amount of energy we burn. It is well read, although, as a Brit, I was not too keen on the strong and slightly 'TV presenter' American accent. I got used to it and it did not affect the content of a well researched and written book.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

long winded, tangential and moaning narration

could have been delivered in < 90 mins with clear conclusions. I have no clue who this book is aimed at. I persevered but am left dissatisfied and confused.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • IP
  • 22-09-23

Fascinating & important

I found this book absolutely fascinating, it's very well written and incredibly engaging. The only downside is the odd narration, it is enthusiastic and clear but strangely sounds like a cheerful robot. It took some getting used to, but is worth persevering with as the book is excellent & essential reading.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Story but lacking in implementation

Enjoyed the story and Amazon experiences but, despite the many hours, little, if anything was said in detail practically on what we should eat and do and precisely what’s wrong currently with detailed examples. A missed opportunity perhaps.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating insights

A brilliant review of the latest thinking on metabolism with several key findings and insights that I believe will be new to most listeners

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book for clear, concise explanation of metabolism!

A superb narrative describing metabolism using extensive historical and biological sources. If you really want to understand the western worlds current obesity epidemic this is a must.

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