Does Sex Help You Lose Weight? The Funniest Workout You’re Probably Not Tracking

Most of us know the basic formula for losing weight: eat a little less, move a little more, and somehow resist the mysterious gravitational pull of the refrigerator at 10 p.m.

But what about sex? Does it actually burn enough calories to help you lose weight and body fat?

The short answer is: yes, but don't cancel your gym membership just yet.

How many calories does sex burn?

Sex is physical activity. Your heart rate increases, muscles are working, and your body needs extra energy. The exact calorie burn depends on your weight, duration, intensity, position, and how enthusiastic everyone involved happens to be.

Research measuring energy expenditure during sexual activity has suggested that an average session might burn roughly 70–100 calories, although there can obviously be enormous variation.

A short and relatively relaxed encounter isn't exactly a marathon. Longer and more physically demanding sex can burn considerably more.

In other words, saying "sex burns X calories" is a bit like asking how many calories you burn playing football. Are you running around for 90 minutes or standing next to the goalkeeper discussing dinner?

Does sex actually burn fat?

Technically, yes. Your body uses energy during sex, with some of that energy ultimately coming from stored fat.

But losing body fat primarily depends on your overall calorie balance over time. If you consistently consume fewer calories than your body uses, your body has to draw on stored energy.

Suppose sex burns 100 calories. That's useful, but eating a 500-calorie dessert afterwards because "we earned it" rather spectacularly defeats the mathematical advantage.

Can frequent sex make a difference?

Potentially — especially as part of an active lifestyle.

Imagine burning an additional 100 calories three times per week. That's around 15,600 calories per year. It's not insignificant, although real-world weight loss isn't as simple as converting every 7,700 calories into exactly one kilogram of fat.

Sex may also have indirect benefits. It can involve cardiovascular activity, muscular work and increased movement, and for some people it may improve relaxation and sleep.

Is sex better than exercise?

Usually not.

Running, cycling, swimming, strength training or even brisk walking can burn substantially more calories and can be performed consistently for longer periods. Strength training also helps preserve or build muscle while losing weight.

But sex does have one rather unfair advantage:

Nobody has ever stared at a treadmill and whispered, "I hope this lasts longer tonight."

So yes, sex burns calories and can contribute to your daily energy expenditure. Just think of it as a rather enjoyable bonus to an active lifestyle — not a secret replacement for exercise and sensible eating.