Limited capacity to regulate caloric expenditure
In the heart of East Africa, the Hadza people, a nomadic hunter-gatherer society, continue to live a lifestyle that provides unique insights into human evolution and health. American anthropologist Herman Pontzer has dedicated over two decades of his career to studying these indigenous people, contributing significantly to our understanding of human energy burning and its relation to civilization-linked diseases like diabetes and obesity.
The Hadza's diet primarily consists of wild plants, roots, and meat from hunted animals. This diet, combined with their physically demanding lifestyle, sets them apart from modern, industrialized societies. Their health patterns, including low rates of civilization-linked diseases, are of particular interest to Professor Pontzer's research.
Living in small, nomadic groups, the Hadza roam the Tanzanian landscape, relying on hunting and gathering for their food. This lifestyle results in much higher physical activity levels compared to most modern people. This, along with their traditional diet, offers a unique opportunity to study human evolution and adaptation.
Herman Pontzer's work has been instrumental in debunking metabolism myths and challenging common beliefs about energy burning. His book, "Burn," gained global recognition for its insights into human energy expenditure and its implications for diseases like diabetes and obesity. The book was a resounding success, shedding light on the misconceptions that have long clouded our understanding of these issues.
The Hadza society is one of the last remaining traditional hunter-gatherer societies in the world. Their lifestyle, health patterns, and unique adaptations offer a valuable window into our past and a crucial perspective on the impact of civilization on human health. Professor Pontzer's research continues to unravel the mysteries of human energy burning, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of our evolution and the diseases that plague our modern world.
This article is part of ZEIT am Wochenende, Issue 37/2025.
