Does Masturbation Cause Weight Loss? Debunking Sexual Health Misconceptions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 28 Avg: 3.5]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Masturbation has many myths around it. One such myth claims it can lead to weight loss. There may be some truth to the energy spent during the act. Whether it leads to weight loss is what will be discussed in this article. We will also debunk any misunderstandings, talk about other ways to burn calories, and understand the potential health benefits of masturbation, and the possible downsides. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
To understand the impact of masturbation on weight loss, let’s look at the science of calorie burn during the act. Then, we’ll discuss about it’s influence on body weight.
Yes, masturbation does use energy, especially during arousal and climax. However, it’s not exactly a major calorie burner.
Research shows that around five to six calories might be burned during a masturbation session. The amount varies based on the intensity, duration, and orgasm. However, this is not sufficient to cause weight loss.
A 40-minute partnered sexual intercourse session might burn up to 200 calories for a 175-pound person. High-intensity workouts or cardio exercises like running, swimming, jogging, yoga, etc. score much higher when compared to masturbation.
Here we will discuss the myths and the possible connections between masturbation, energy expenditure, and weight loss.
Masturbation does increase heart rate and blood flow. However, its potential in calorie burning is limited. While climax does burn energy, it’s not enough to contribute to weight loss.
The idea that masturbation can lead to weight loss is quite popular. It’s important to note, though, that masturbation burns fewer calories than most physical activities. So, it’s not practical nor direct for weight loss.
For visible weight loss, sustainable practices are necessary. These are discussed below.
Regular workouts are a must for weight loss. They increase stamina, improve muscle tone, and burn extra calories. Thus, they contribute to a leaner, healthier body.
Besides calorie burning, these activities also improve heart health, build muscle, and increase flexibility.
Along with exercise, a balanced diet is vital to manage your weight. Your food choices can drive your weight loss journey.
Healthy food choices
Below are some tips for choosing healthier food at each meal.
Importance of calorie deficit
A calorie deficit is when you eat fewer calories than you burn in a day. It’s key for weight loss. It forces the body to use stored fat for energy. As a result, the body fat percentage lowers, leading to weight loss.
Researchers have found that masturbation may increase the release of prolactin and oxytocin, which may result in feelings of contentment and relaxation following an orgasm.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Masturbation may impart various health benefits. Let’s delve into each one.
Masturbation may reduce stress. It releases endorphins that calm the mind.
The endorphins released during self-pleasure ease stress and anxiety. Feeling calmer and more content may help mental wellness, especially in hard times.
Regular masturbation may lead to better self-esteem and mood, reduce stress, and possibly improve brain function with time. It may also foster a healthier body image and comfortable sexuality.
There’s a close link between masturbation and sleep. Self-pleasure may help induce a good night’s sleep.
Oxytocin is released that may calm the mind and body, helping you sleep better.
Masturbation is also linked to improved sexual life. It may help understand one’s sexual needs better.
Frequent masturbation may result in a better understanding of desires and limitations. This may aid effective communication with partners about one’s sexual needs. This may lead to overall better sexual relaxation and compatibility in relationships.
Knowing your body and what pleases you may make sexual intercourse much more enjoyable. It opens honest discussions with partners and deepens connections.
Self-perception may dramatically change due to regular masturbation, leading to better self-confidence and body image.
As you get used to how your body feels during self-pleasure, you might start to appreciate your physical form and eroticism more. This may boost self-confidence and improve your body image.
Studies observe that those who engage in more frequent masturbation have healthier sperm, higher levels of relationship and sexual pleasure, and higher levels of self-esteem. In my opinion, whatever happens to your weight, those are advantages that are well worth it!
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Masturbation has many benefits, but there can be downsides too when not done right or overdone.
Don’t overdo self-pleasure. Too much of it might lead to unwanted issues.
Balance is key. Maintaining a balance between masturbation and other life areas is important. It allows for holistic sexual health.
Overdoing masturbation can cause physical discomfort and hinder daily routines. It’s important to masturbate in moderation.
Masturbation is not harmful to mental health. However, the guilt and social views around it can have negative effects.
Society often stigmatizes masturbation, causing feelings of guilt and shame. This can hurt mental health and enjoyment of self-pleasure.
Talking openly about masturbation and understanding its benefits can dispel myths and create a healthy view of self-pleasure. Being in a supportive circle and self-reflection can ease any bad thoughts linked with masturbation.
To make your masturbation more fun, you may try these tips and techniques.
Adding different methods into your routine may improve arousal and orgasm.
In conclusion, masturbation has many potential health benefits. It may help reduce stress, it may help you better understand your sexual desires, among others. While it burns some calories, it doesn’t affect weight loss as much as traditional workouts and a balanced diet does. A healthy sexual life, with moderation and balance, may have physical and mental rewards from self-pleasure.
No. Even though masturbation burns calories, it can’t replace exercise and a healthy diet for weight loss.
Balance is key in healthy masturbation. Other parts of life such as self-care, socializing, and overall well-being must also be prioritized.
No, masturbation does burn calories, but not as much as workouts. It shouldn’t be used as a method for weight loss.
The exact number can vary. Research suggests around five to six calories, based on intensity, duration, and climax.
Yes. Regular masturbation may boost a healthy sexual life. It improves self-awareness, and communication about sexual desires, and promotes better sexual relaxation and compatibility in relationships.
Comments