Can sex help you lose weight?

“Sometimes, it [sex] can help in losing weight,” says Artika Singh, a public health and gender anthropologist and comprehensive sexuality educator.

“Sometimes, it [sex] can help in losing weight,” says Artika Singh, a public health and gender anthropologist and comprehensive sexuality educator.

She says, “Sex can loosely be categorised as a "cardio" type of exercise as the physical movements drum up your heart rate and can help burn calories.”

According to a 2013 study, men burn 101 calories (4.2 calories per minute), and women burn 69 calories (3.1 calories per minute) during a 24-minute session of sex.

However, Artika says that this number also says that it depends on various factors including duration (no pressure btw), intensity, pace, and type of sex. Those involved may lose anywhere from 80-300 calories.

Apart from the cardio, the physiological and psychological benefits of a healthy sex life, such as reduced stress due to the release of dopamine and improved mood, can indirectly support weight management by influencing lifestyle choices.