Why Americans Are Gaining Weight Despite Burning More Calories
Bottom Line: When it comes to weight loss, there’s long been a simple saying. A key to losing weight is to eat less and do more. And generally speaking, that philosophy when applied should net results. But if you’ve ever found that you’ve been doing more, a la burning more calories and yet even without eating more you’re still not losing weight, we may finally have an explanation and it’s one that’s consistent with RFK Jr.’s MAHA, or Make America Healthy Again, movement.
A fascinating new study from Duke University flips the script on what’s driving America’s obesity epidemic. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this global study of over 4,000 adults across 34 populations—reveals something surprising: it’s not always a lack of exercise making us heavier. And when it comes to what we eat... It’s not just about the calories we’re eating. It’s what we’re eating. More on that one in a moment.
Here’s the bottom line: Americans and folks in developed countries burn more calories daily than people in less developed countries. Researchers found that our daily energy expenditure is higher, partly because we’re bigger, but even when adjusted for weight, the difference is only about 6%. Physical activity? It turns out people in industrialized societies move just as much as those in traditional settings.
So, what’s really in play? Ultra-processed foods—think sugary sodas, packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. In the 25 populations with dietary data, the more processed food people ate, the fatter they got – even when comparable levels of calories consumed. Why? These foods are easier to digest, so your body absorbs more calories, and they mess with hunger signals, making you eat more than you need. It’s not just eating more—it’s eating the wrong stuff. The study shows body fat differences between “rich” and “poor” countries are ten times greater than differences in calorie burn. That’s huge!
Now, as is noted exercise is still critical for heart health, mental well-being, and keeping your metabolism humming. But when it comes to obesity, not so much. This study says it’s time to shift gears: focus on what we’re eating, not just how much we’re moving. RFK Jr. would approve.