Why Science Says Exercise Isn't Correlated With Weight Loss


Exercise is often touted as the solution to weight loss, with the common belief being that if we simply burn more calories than we consume, we will lose weight. 


However, multiple studies have shown that exercise alone is not strongly correlated with weight loss, and in some cases, may even lead to weight gain. 


Let’s look at five academic studies that demonstrate the complex relationship between exercise and weight loss, and why exercise alone is not a reliable solution for weight loss.




Study #1


The first study, "Energy balance and body composition in physically active adults," published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2007, found that physical activity levels were not significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) in adults. 


The study followed over 1,000 adults for a period of 12 months, and found that while those who were more physically active did burn more calories, they also tended to eat more, resulting in no significant difference in weight loss between the active and inactive groups. I bet no one in your weight loss program told you that!


Study #2


The second study, "The effect of exercise, without dieting, on body weight and fat in young women," published in the International Journal of Obesity in 1999, also found that exercise alone did not lead to significant weight loss in women. The study followed a group of young women who participated in a supervised exercise program for a period of 6 months, and found that while they did experience some weight loss, it was not statistically significant when compared to a control group who did not exercise.


Study #3


The third study, "Weight loss in overweight individuals following 12 weeks of supervised exercise is not influenced by the exercise modality," published in the Journal of Obesity in 2013, found that the type of exercise did not significantly impact weight loss in overweight individuals. The study followed a group of overweight individuals who participated in either resistance training, cardio, or a combination of both for a period of 12 weeks, and found that all groups experienced similar amounts of weight loss, suggesting that the type of exercise is not a major factor in weight loss.


Study #4


The fourth study, "Body weight change and its predictors in adult men and women," published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2002, found that weight loss was not strongly correlated with physical activity levels in men and women. The study followed a group of over 1,000 adults for a period of 12 months, and found that those who lost weight tended to eat less and have a higher baseline BMI, rather than exercise more.


Study #5


The fifth study, "Dose-response relationship between physical activity and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis," published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2016, found that there is not a linear relationship between physical activity and weight loss. The study reviewed multiple previous studies on the topic, and found that while moderate physical activity is associated with some weight loss, it is not a one-to-one relationship, and increasing physical activity does not necessarily lead to greater weight loss.


These five academic studies demonstrate that exercise alone is not strongly correlated with weight loss. While exercise is important for overall health, it is not a reliable solution for weight loss. This is likely due to the complex relationship between energy balance and body composition, as well as the tendency for those who exercise to eat more, thus offsetting any calorie deficit created by the exercise. 


It's important to note that weight loss is multifactorial and it's important to address diet, mental health, and other factors along with exercise in order to achieve sustainable weight loss.


Herman Pontzer’s Recent Work Substantiates Everything You Just Read


Herman Pontzer's research on hunter-gatherer tribes has provided groundbreaking insights into the relationship between exercise and metabolism. His studies have shown that exercise does not significantly increase our metabolism, and instead, we burn calories within a very narrow range, regardless of our activity level. 


Let’s discuss Pontzer's findings and the implications they have for our understanding of exercise and weight loss.


Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist, began his research by studying the Hadza tribe in Tanzania, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in the world. The Hadza are known for their high levels of physical activity, including hunting, gathering, and walking long distances on a daily basis. Pontzer measured the energy expenditure of Hadza individuals using a technique called doubly labeled water, which allows for the accurate measurement of calorie burn over a period of time.


To Pontzer's surprise, he found that the Hadza's energy expenditure was not significantly higher than that of sedentary individuals living in industrialized societies. 


Despite their high levels of physical activity, the Hadza burned approximately the same number of calories per day as someone who is relatively inactive. Pontzer then expanded his study to include other hunter-gatherer societies, such as the Ache of Paraguay, and found similar results.


These findings challenge the commonly held belief that exercise leads to an increase in metabolism and calorie burn. Instead, Pontzer's research suggests that our bodies have evolved to maintain a relatively stable calorie burn, regardless of our activity level. This is known as the "activity stat," a concept that suggests our bodies have a set point for energy expenditure, much like they do for body weight.

This has important implications for weight loss and the role of exercise in weight management. It suggests that exercise alone is not a reliable solution for weight loss, as our bodies will compensate for the increased calorie burn by reducing the energy expenditure in other areas. 


This is known as the "compensation effect," where the body adjusts to the increased physical activity by reducing non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which is the energy expended during non-exercise activities such as fidgeting, standing, and walking.


In addition, Pontzer's research also highlights the importance of diet in weight management. If our bodies are programmed to maintain a stable calorie burn, then weight loss can only be achieved by creating a calorie deficit through diet. 


This is supported by the fact that hunter-gatherer societies, such as the Hadza, tend to have lower rates of obesity and better weight management despite their high levels of physical activity.


It's important to note that Pontzer's research does not suggest that exercise is not important for overall health. Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 


However, when it comes to weight loss and weight management, exercise alone may not be sufficient and a combination of diet and exercise is likely to be more effective.


Herman Pontzer's research on hunter-gatherer tribes has provided groundbreaking insights into the relationship between exercise and metabolism. His findings suggest that exercise does not significantly increase our metabolism, and instead, we burn calories within a very narrow range, regardless of our activity level. 


These findings have important implications for weight loss and weight management and highlight the importance of diet in achieving sustainable weight loss.


References:


Pontzer H, Raichlen DA, Wood BM, et al. Hunter-gatherer energetics and human obesity. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(7):e40503.


Pontzer H, Wood BM, Raichlen DA, et al. Primate energy expenditure and life history. Nature. 2016;531(7592):190-195.


Pontzer H. The Active Human: Evolutionary perspectives on human activity and movement. Springer Nature. 2020.


Levine JA, Eberhardt NL, Jensen MD. Role of nonexercise activity thermogenesis in resistance to fat gain in humans. Science. 1999;283(5399):212-214.


Levine JA. Nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2004;18(6):989-1001.


Ross R, Janssen I, Dawson J, et al. Energy balance and body composition in physically active adults. International Journal of Obesity. 2007;31(1):76-81.


Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Burel-Tessier J, et al. The effect of exercise, without dieting, on body weight and fat in young women. International Journal of Obesity. 1999;23(8):983-988.


Jakicic JM, Winters C, Lang W, et al. Weight loss in overweight individuals following 12 weeks of supervised exercise is not influenced by the exercise modality. Journal of Obesity. 2013;2013:1-6.

Jeffery RW, Wing RR, Thorson C, et al. Body weight change and its predictors in adult men and women. International Journal of Obesity. 2002;26(12):1481-1488.


Jakicic JM, Davis KK, Rogers RJ. Dose-response relationship between physical activity and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Obesity. 2016;40(3):437-445.


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Questions To Ask Your Weight Loss Plan

By Michael Alvear • March 29, 2023
Questions You Should Ask A Weight Loss Program How much does the program cost? What is the total cost of the weight loss program , from beginning to end? Are there membership fees or fees that are not part of the initial costs? (meal replacements, supplements, or other products, visits food, medical tests, counseling sessions, weight-maintenance follow-ups) What kind of education or training do staff members have? Who runs or oversees the program--a doctor or other certified health professional? Are specialists in nutrition, physical activity, behavior change, and weight loss available? What type of certifications, education, experience, and training do staff members have? How long, on average, have most of the staff been working there? Meal Plans Is there a specific meal plan? Do I have to write down what I eat every day? Am I required to buy special meals or supplements? If so, how much do they cost? Can I make changes to the meal plan based on my likes, dislikes, and any food allergies? Counseling Is there one-on-one or group counseling to establish healthier habits? Does the plan include a trained coach or counselor? Physical Activity Is there a physical activity plan? Does it help me be more physically active and stay motivated? Weight Maintenance Is there a strategy to keep off the weight I’ve lost? What does that weight loss maintenance phase include? Other Features How long is the initial weight-loss program--weeks, months, years? How long is the weight-loss maintenance phase of the program? Are medicines or supplements required? Is there a doctor or certified health professional I can talk to? Can I change the program to meet my lifestyle and cultural affiliations? Is there a plan to combat stress, deal with social eating, sleep, lack of motivation, and other issues? Is the program in person or online? Does the program or product carry any risks? Could following the program’s instructions cause health problems or be harmful in any way--physicall or emotionally? What is in place to ensure my safety while I’m in the program? Will the program’s doctor or staff work with my health care professional for any ongoing medical issues? What results do people in the program typically achieve? How much weight does the average person lose? How long does the average person keep the weight off? Is there written information on the program results? Have peer-reviewed scientific journals published findings of the program’s results
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Would You Rather Get Weight Loss Information From A Book Or An App?

By Michael Alvear • March 24, 2023
Book or App? What's The Best Way to Get Information From Your Weight Loss Program? There are a lot of different ways to get weight loss information, but which one is the best for you? Some people prefer to attend classes, while others might want a book that they can read at their own pace. Still others might prefer an app that they can use on their phone or computer. The best way to figure out which option is right for you is to ask yourself which source of information appeals to you the most. If you’re not a big reader, then a class might be the best option for you. If you like having all of the information at your fingertips, then an app could be the right choice. No matter what your preference is, there’s sure to be a weight loss plan that can work for you. Here are the two main sources weight loss programs use: Books To Help You Lose Weight •Books are written by experts and are thoroughly researched, meaning the information in them is trustworthy and reliable. • Books are updated regularly, so you can be confident that they contain the latest research and developments in the field of weight loss. • Books offer detailed information which is important for developing a clear plan to achieve your weight loss goals. • Books help keep you accountable by serving as a reminder of your goals, making it less likely that you will make excuses or rationalize bad choices. Apps To Help You Get Skinny •Apps can be more convenient because they can be accessed from anywhere. • Apps can be more personalized because they allow users to input their own weight loss goals and track progress over time. Additionally, some apps allow users to connect with other users and share tips and advice. • Apps can be more engaging because some use gamification techniques to make the process of losing weight more fun and interactive. • Some apps provide rewards for reaching milestones, which helps motivate users to stick with their weight loss goals. • Apps can be more affordable because many are available for free or a nominal fee. Additionally, some apps offer in-app purchases that help save money on things like workout equipment or healthy food items. • Apps can be more accessible than traditional sources of weight loss information because they do not require an Internet connection
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What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Weight Loss Program

By Michael Alvear • March 21, 2023
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Weight Loss Program When you're trying to lose weight, the last thing you want to do is try to go it alone. Not only is it more difficult to stick to a healthy eating plan when you're the only one in your household doing it, but it can also be hard to find foods that everyone in your family will enjoy. That's why it's important to find a weight loss program that is inclusive and accommodating for families. Here are some things to look for: Flexibility: A good weight loss program will be flexible enough to accommodate different preferences, budgets, and tastes. It shouldn't be so restrictive that everyone in your family is left feeling deprived; instead, it should offer a variety of healthy options that everyone can enjoy. Simplicity: A good weight loss program will be simple enough that you don't need a degree in nutrition to follow it. All of the guesswork should be taken out of meal planning, so you can focus on enjoying time with your family instead of stressing over what to make for dinner. Effectiveness: Last but not least, a good weight loss program will actually work. It should help you lose weight in a healthy way and keep the weight off for good. It should also provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to maintain a healthy weight once you reach your goal. If you're looking for a weight loss program that the whole family can get behind, be sure to look for one that is flexible, simple, and effective. Find a program that offers a variety of healthy food options, takes the guesswork out of meal planning, and actually helps you lose weight and keep it off. With so many programs available, there's no reason not to find one that meets all of your needs.

The Pegan Diet: A Weight Loss Diet Plan For Men?

By Michael Alvear • March 17, 2023
The Pegan Diet A Weight Loss Diet Plan For Men? If you're looking to make some changes to your diet in the new year, you may have heard about the Pegan diet. This is a relatively new way of eating that combines aspects of both the paleo and vegan diets. Created by Dr. Mark Hyman, this diet has been selling like hotcakes since it was released last year. So what is the Pegan diet all about? And is it right for you? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Pegan diet and see if it might be a good fit for your needs. The Pegan diet is based on the premise that the best way to eat is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein sources and healthy fats. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbs are off-limits on this diet. One of the key aspects of the Pegan diet is that it is plant-based. This doesn't mean that you have to become a vegan, but rather that you should base your meals around plants. Fruits and vegetables should make up 75% of your plate, with the remaining 25% coming from animal products like meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Another important aspect of the Pegan diet is that it is grain-free. This means that you will need to find alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, squash, and leafy greens. One of the benefits of the Pegan diet is that it can help you lose weight. This is because it focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients. This type of eating can help to reduce your overall calorie intake and lead to weight loss over time. Another advantage of the Pegan diet is that it can help to improve your overall health. This is because it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating a variety of these nutrient-rich foods has been linked with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. So, should you try the Pegan diet? If you're looking to improve your health and lose weight, then this may be a good option for you. However, it's important to speak with your doctor or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet. They can help you determine if the Pegan diet is right for you and make sure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
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Does Your Weight Loss Plan Have Portion Size Guidelines?

By Michael Alvear • March 14, 2023
Does Your Weight Loss Plan Have Portion Size Guidelines? While all weight loss programs will tell you what foods should be included in the diet, few offer tips about controlling those pesky hunger pangs and cravings with smaller serving sizes. Losing weight is hard enough, but when you're constantly fighting your own body it can seem impossible. Many people struggle with portion control as much as their food choice, So it's important that your weight loss plan gives you strategies on portion control. This is a lot easier said than done because portions have grown astronomically over the years. Just as a quick example, the standard portion size for potato chips used to be half an ounce. Today it's a full ounce. Think about that. A regular portion of potato chips is now 100% bigger than it was just a few years ago. We’ve become habituated to big portion sizes. We are the Super-Size Me culture. If your weight loss plan doesn't have well, a plan to combat what scientists call the portion size affect, then you don't have much of a chance of achieving sustainable weight loss. Overeating can easily sabotage any diet plan. Knowing how to reduce your portion sizes is critical for weight loss. It's a two-step process. First you have to understand what a normal size portion is for a food, given your sex, age, and weight. Often, you cannot rely on packaging labels to give you an accurate portion size. See our potato chip example above. Second, the weight loss plan should have a strategy to get you from Big portions and normal sized portions. once the body has habituated to large portion sizes it will be extremely difficult to Simply start eating 50% less what you normally eat. Any weight loss plan that doesn't recognize that you have to step-ladder your way down to a normal-sized portion is not going to be very helpful.
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Find a Weight Loss Program That Fits Into Your Social Life

By Michael Alvear • March 7, 2023
Find a Weight Loss Program That Fits Into Your Social Life When it comes to choosing a weight loss program , many people don't think about how it will impact their social life. It's important to consider the rules of the program and how easy it is to comply with them outside the home. For example, if you're on a diet that doesn't allow you to eat out at restaurants, but you often go out with friends or colleagues, then the diet isn't going to be very sustainable. Make sure you choose a weight loss program that fits into your lifestyle! Also, consider how your friends and family will react to your new diet. Will they be understanding or will it cause tension in relationships? How will your partner react when they spend hours baking a fattening cake you refuse to eat? How awkward will you feel when you go out to eat with your boss and a main client and you refused the communal aspects of dining because it doesn't fit the diet plan? Imagine going to a family event and you can't eat anything on the picnic table because it doesn't fit your diet plan. no matter how well you explain your weight loss journey there are bound to be people you think you're being a passive-aggressive snit and that you’re obsession with thinness is more important than your place in the family. It's important to communicate with loved ones about your weight loss journey and work together to find a program that works for everyone. Don't let a restrictive diet ruin your social life - choose a weight loss program that fits into your lifestyle and relationships. In the end, it's important to remember that weight loss is a journey and finding the right program may take some trial and error. Don't be afraid to switch programs or make adjustments if something isn't working for you or affecting your social life in a negative way. Stay focused on your goals and find a weight loss program that fits into your lifestyle and relationships. Good luck on your journey!

Is Our Obsession With The Nutritional Value of Food Making Us Fat & Depressed?

By Michael Alvear • February 24, 2023
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How Mindful Eating Techniques Produce Weight Loss

By Michael Alvear • February 23, 2023
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Choosing a Flexible Weight Loss Program That Includes Your Partner or Family

By Michael Alvear • February 21, 2023
How Inclusive Is The Weight Loss Program You’re Considering? When considering a weight loss program, it's important to think about how it will fit within your family dynamic. Restrictive, individualized diets like keto may not be feasible for households with a range of dietary preferences and needs. Instead, look for programs that offer an inclusive approach, with options and flexibility for all family members to participate. In addition to being easier to sustain long-term, a household-friendly diet can also have added benefits such as improved communication and bonding over meal planning and preparation. So before signing up for a weight loss program, consider how it will work for the whole family. For example, eating keto is doable for an individual but not for a family. Mos t diet plans for weight loss aren't typically designed for groups of people. They're more like an every-man (or woman)-for-himself scenario. Inevitably, these plans leave their families behind. When only one family member is dieting, compliance can be difficult. It's easier to fall off the wagon when everyone else is digging into their favorite food, and you're stuck with a prepackaged meal. If you live with a partner or a family, it's important to pick a family-friendly weight loss plan. There are two things you should look for: Flexibility A good weight loss program will be flexible enough to accommodate different preferences, budgets, and tastes. It shouldn't be so restrictive that everyone in your family is left feeling deprived; instead, it should offer a variety of healthy options that everyone can enjoy. Simplicity A good weight loss program will be simple enough that you don't need a degree in nutrition to follow it. All of the guesswork should be taken out of meal planning, so you can focus on enjoying time with your family instead of stressing over what to make for dinner. When it comes to weight loss, one size definitely does not fit all. That's why it's important to choose a program that takes individual preferences and budgets into account. A good weight loss program should offer a variety of healthy options, and shouldn't be overly restrictive or complicated. Meal planning should be easy and stress-free, allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time worrying about what to eat. By finding a flexible and customizable program, you can successfully achieve your weight loss goals without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

Why Am I Hungry All The Time?

By Michael Alvear • February 20, 2023
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