Nigeria, Jan. 20 -- Every January, the same story repeats itself. People are advised, or personally resolved, to eat less, move more, and finally "get disciplined." A few weeks later, hunger intensifies, energy feels lower, and frustration sets in. The usual conclusion is often self or societal blame for lack of self-control or willpower. But this framing misses something fundamental about how the body works.

As I wrote last December in an article titled The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting, and I quote: "Exercise is medicine, and this is how it works: eating imports energy, movement exports heat, and health depends on keeping both in motion." When movement slows but eating continues, energy stalls, and the body responds in predictable ways...