Herman Pontzer

Herman Pontzer
Alma mater	Penn State University (BA) Harvard University (MA, PhD)
Known for	Human evolution
Scientific career
Fields	Biologist, Evolutionary Anthropology
Institutions	Duke University

Herman Pontzer is an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, where he is associate professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health. ^[1] He is best known for his research into human bioenergetics. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

Constrained Daily Energy Expenditure Model

In the context of the exercise paradox—where increased physical activity does not always lead to weight loss—Pontzer helped develop a theory of human metabolism known as the constrained daily energy expenditure model. According to this theory, total daily energy expenditure is not simply the sum of separate metabolic processes (such as basal metabolism, movement, digestion, reproduction, and immune function). Instead, energy expenditure increases with activity only up to a certain point, after which it plateaus. This suggests that humans have evolved a biological constraint that limits the total amount of energy expended per day.

This new model is called the constrained daily energy expenditure model. ^[5]

Books

• Pontzer, Herman (2021). Burn: The Misunderstood Science of Metabolism . Penguin. ISBN   978-0141990170.
• Pontzer, Herman (2025). Adaptable: How Your Unique Body Really Works and Why Our Biology Unites Us. Random House. ISBN   9780593539309.

References

1. "Herman Pontzer". globalhealth.duke.edu. 23 December 2019.
2. "This scientist busts myths about how humans burn calories—and why". www.science.org. Retrieved Apr 21, 2023.
3. "Editorial-Fat in spite of Exercise? An Alleged Paradigm Change results from Calculation Mistakes Alternative Navigation Title". www.germanjournalsportsmedicine.com. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
4. "'There's no need to run to the gym to slim down before the summer'". Le Monde.fr. 2023-06-17. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
5. Pontzer, Herman (2021). Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Lose Weight, and Stay Healthy. United States: Penguin Publishing Group.