Why Diet Beats Exercise for Weight Loss
A major new study published in PNAS tracked over 4,200 people across 34 diverse communities—from hunter-gatherers to urban dwellers. It found that while exercise is beneficial, calorie intake and ultra-processed foods are the main drivers of obesity, not lack of activity CNN+8Medical News Today+8The Washington Post+8.
Key Findings
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Energy balance is complex: Total daily calories burned are surprisingly consistent across populations, thanks to the body’s ability to adapt—even with vastly different activity levels Reddit+2The Washington Post+2Daily Telegraph+2.
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Diet drives weight: High-calorie diets heavy in processed foods are up to 10 times more significant in causing obesity than low exercise levels Daily Telegraph+1Medical News Today+1.
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Exercise still matters: While not a primary tool for weight loss, it’s essential for overall fitness, heart health, and preserving muscle Medical News TodayDaily Telegraph.
