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Human metabolism, primate evolution, and modern health challenges with evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer.
Episode Summary: Anthropologist Dr. Herman Pontzer discusses human evolution and metabolism, comparing humans to primates like chimps and gorillas to explain our higher energy use, bigger brains, and longer lives despite trade-offs in reproduction and activity; they discuss dietary shifts from plant-based to hunting-gathering, metabolic adaptations, and modern issues like obesity, where exercise aids health but diet drives weight loss, emphasizing ultra-processed foods' role in overeating and the promise of new drugs like GLP-1 agonists.
About the guest: Herman Pontzer, PhD is a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University. He is the author of books like "Burn" and "Adaptable," which explore how bodies adapt to diets, activity, and environments.
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Send us a text
Human metabolism, primate evolution, and modern health challenges with evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer.
Episode Summary: Anthropologist Dr. Herman Pontzer discusses human evolution and metabolism, comparing humans to primates like chimps and gorillas to explain our higher energy use, bigger brains, and longer lives despite trade-offs in reproduction and activity; they discuss dietary shifts from plant-based to hunting-gathering, metabolic adaptations, and modern issues like obesity, where exercise aids health but diet drives weight loss, emphasizing ultra-processed foods' role in overeating and the promise of new drugs like GLP-1 agonists.
About the guest: Herman Pontzer, PhD is a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University. He is the author of books like "Burn" and "Adaptable," which explore how bodies adapt to diets, activity, and environments.
Discussion Points:
Support the show
Affiliates:
For all the ways you can support my efforts
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