Evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer at Duke University was enthusiastic about studying the metabolism of Hadza, a tribe of modern hunter-gatherers in Tanzania. Not uncommon for anyone to assume that they would be burning calories way more than the people who are at a desk job. However, when the results came out, it was rather surprising. Hunters and gatherers are known for a highly active lifestyle, jogging, tugging, lifting, and walking throughout the day. But, the results point out that it does not make them burn more calories than an average person.When Pontzer and his team compared the calories burned by an average Hadza to that of an average office worker in the US, the totals were almost identical. In an interview with the Washington Post, Pontzer reveals that the reason for this is that after immense activity, our body gets used to the routine and starts saving calories.What does this really mean?People who are really sedentary are burning the same number of calories as to people who are always hitting the gym and are working out. This discovery really changes the mindset around metabolism.Pontzer explains. "If you exercise today, you’ll burn more energy today. But if you really change your lifestyle and start exercising regularly and that becomes your new normal, your body adjusts, and you wind up not burning more calories overall. Basically, if you spend more energy on exercise, your body finds ways to spend less on other stuff. But here’s the good news. The adjustments the body makes, which include reductions to inflammation and stress reactivity, maybe a big part of why exercise is so good for us."But can we do something about it and boost our metabolism? Pontzer says no. Despite going on a high-carb, low-carb, or high-protein diet, metabolism will not be increased as none of these diets have resulted in a measurable effect on calories burned per day. However, it is important to understand that while metabolic adaptation happens, exercise does have many benefits and this study mainly looks at the total energy expenditure.How can you then actually lose weight?The answer lies in a calorie deficit. If you consume fewer calories as compared to the calories you are burning, it helps you lose weight. Pontzer points out that one reason why our metabolism slows down is because we get more stressed, this is where exercise fits in. It helps reduce inflammation from the adjustment it makes and also reduces stress reactivity.Pontzer says that while it is true that teens and kids burn the most calories, the calorie count altogether is a small amount. Furthermore, though our body responds differently to food when in middle age as compared to teenage or in 20s, metabolism does not really slow down until after 60. The factor that really comes into play is stress, which impacts our lifestyle habits. Exercise alone however cannot make you lose weight, lifestyle changes, along with a calorie deficit, or a diet in accordance with your body type is also important for weight management.