Simple thermodynamics does not predict results in complex chaotic systems.
That's why Benot Mandelbrot invented the mathematics of biology, Fractual
Geometry, in 1975.
On a recent NOVA program (PBS) about fractals they gave the formula
for energy/weight calculations;
E=M^.75 (energy equals mass to the 3/4 power)
Thus an elephant that weighs 200,000 times more than a mouse only requires
10,000 times as many calories to maintain weight. When calories are
restricted, the body tries to become more efficient by becoming bigger. Thus
the finding that the average person that reduces calories gains 15% of body
weight in numerous long-term studies.
Ray Audette