The Role of Intimacy in Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction?

If you are on a weight loss journey, you may have heard the suggestion to try "cardio at home" with a smirk from your best friend or partner. But does getting intimate between the sheets actually help you shed those extra pounds? Let's see what the experts have to say. 

 According to Artika Singh, a public health and gender anthropologist, and comprehensive sexuality educator, engaging in sexual activity can sometimes contribute to weight loss. She explains that sex can be considered a form of cardio exercise as it gets your heart rate up and burns calories. A study from 2013 found that men burn around 101 calories and women burn about 69 calories during a 24-minute session of sex. 

However, Artika notes that the number of calories burned can vary based on factors like duration, intensity, pace, and the type of sexual activity, with individuals potentially losing anywhere from 80 to 300 calories. To put this into perspective, burning 300 calories through physical activity could result in a weight loss of roughly 0.034 kilograms. This means that engaging in sex for over an hour at high intensity is needed to reach the maximum calorie burn of 300. On the flip side, running for just 10 minutes burns 114 calories, so the choice between the two is yours.

 Jashan Vij, a health and fat loss coach, highlights that beyond the physical aspect, the positive impacts of a healthy sex life, such as stress reduction from dopamine release and improved mood, can indirectly support weight management by influencing lifestyle decisions. When it comes to weight loss differences between men and women during sex, Artika argues that gender distinctions may not always be accurate. She challenges the notion that men burn more calories during sex due to putting in more effort, as both partners in a heterosexual relationship can contribute equally. 

Jashan acknowledges that men typically have higher muscle mass, leading to slightly higher calorie expenditure. He also notes that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect women's energy levels and desire for sexual activity. In conclusion, while sex can indeed have some calorie-burning benefits, it is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper rest is key to achieving long-term weight management goals.