It’s sort of true by definition, if you make ‘calories out’ inclusive enough. Which makes the statement tautological, which is why Taubes says it doesn’t explain anything.
Almost all people spend more calories on base metabolism (what they would spend if they lay in bed without moving for 24 hours), than they do on physical activity. We can also spend significant energy on heating ourselves if we’re cold, or just due to different metabolic states. There are probably other categories too.
There are also issues of varying efficiency in digestion and absorption; two people may eat the same food but end up gaining slightly different amounts of calories.
It’s sort of true by definition, if you make ‘calories out’ inclusive enough. Which makes the statement tautological, which is why Taubes says it doesn’t explain anything.
Almost all people spend more calories on base metabolism (what they would spend if they lay in bed without moving for 24 hours), than they do on physical activity. We can also spend significant energy on heating ourselves if we’re cold, or just due to different metabolic states. There are probably other categories too.
There are also issues of varying efficiency in digestion and absorption; two people may eat the same food but end up gaining slightly different amounts of calories.