Evolutionary Anthropology (METABOLISM) with Herman Pontzer
Let’s debunk some “dieting” myths by exploring our human machinery. And talk about Brazilian butt lifts. Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and metabolism researcher Dr. Herman Pontzer gives us the data on mitochondrial backstories, muscle mass and hormones, our expanding brains, the flaws of the Body Mass Index, humans’ relationships with nutrition, why crash dieting can change your metabolism, perspectives on sticky medical terms, isotope magic, how much exercise hunter gatherers get, carnivore diets, scales, and what to do if you're grappling with sadness. Content warning: we discuss diet culture, calories, how the word “obesity” is used, medical conditions that may relate to body composition, and highlight listeners’ lived experiences.
Visit the Pontzer Lab website
Browse Dr. Pontzer’s papers on ResearchGate and follow him on Instagram and X
Buy Dr. Pontzer’s book, Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Stay Healthy, and Lose Weight
A donation went to Hadza Fund
More episode sources and links
Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes
Other episodes you may enjoy: Pyrotechnology (FIREMAKING), Entomophagy Anthropology (EATING BUGS), Kalology (BEAUTY STANDARDS), Genicular Traumatology (BAD KNEES)
Transcripts and bleeped episodes
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions
Transcripts by Aveline Malek and The Wordary
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn