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Scientist busts myths about how humans burn calories (science.org)

755 points by sohkamyung · 1671 days ago · 727 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses how humans burn calories, challenging common myths about exercise and weight loss. It suggests that exercise may not burn as many calories as previously thought, and that the body adjusts its energy expenditure to maintain a certain level. The article also touches on the idea that diet plays a more significant role in weight loss than exercise. However, the exact details of the article are unclear due to its unavailability.

Main themes

  • exercise and weight loss
  • calorie burn and energy expenditure
  • diet and nutrition
  • individual variability in metabolism
  • athletic performance and extreme calorie consumption
  • complexity of weight loss and obesity

What commenters say

  • Exercise does not significantly increase daily calorie burn due to the body's ability to adjust its energy expenditure.
  • The idea that exercise does not burn many calories is misleading, as it ignores the obvious energy expenditure of physical activity.
  • Diet plays a more crucial role in weight loss than exercise, and excessive calorie consumption can lead to obesity.
  • The relationship between exercise, diet, and weight loss is complex, and individual factors such as body composition and metabolism can greatly influence the outcome.
  • Elite athletes can consume extremely high amounts of calories, but this may not be representative of the average person's energy needs.
  • The body's ability to adjust its energy expenditure in response to exercise and other factors is not fully understood and requires further research.