This interview comes from the stern archive and first appeared on June 13, 2023.
Mr. Pontzer, many people are doing sports these days to lose a few kilos. Is that the best way? No, unfortunately it hardly helps at all when it comes to losing weight.
I’m sorry, what? I just ran a few kilometers here on the university campus. My fitness watch praised me for burning 300 extra calories. I would have to become a little slimmer. No, I have to disappoint you, it doesn’t work that way. If you are physically active and exercise, that doesn’t mean you burn 300 calories more a day than someone who hasn’t exercised. Even if your fitness tracker says so.
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