Exercise May Not Burn as Many Calories as Believed

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A recent study from researchers at Duke University found that the body often compensates for calories burned during aerobic workouts by lowering energy use in other areas, maintaining a relatively stable daily calorie burn. As a result, intense exercise may not lead to as much weight loss as expected, as the body adjusts to conserve energy. The study also suggests strength training may burn more calories than initially thought, likely due to the energy required to repair muscle tissue.

Why it matters

This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between exercise and weight loss, challenging the common belief that exercise alone is a surefire way to shed pounds. It highlights the importance of considering the body's adaptive mechanisms when trying to manage weight through physical activity.

The details

Researchers found that the body often compensates for calories burned during aerobic workouts by lowering energy use in other areas, maintaining a relatively stable daily calorie burn. As a result, even intense aerobic workouts may not lead to as much weight loss as expected, because the body adjusts to conserve energy. The study also suggests that strength training appears to burn more calories than initially thought, likely because repairing muscle tissue requires additional energy.

• The study was recently conducted by researchers at Duke University.