Does Farting Burn Calories? Science-Based Answer And Tips
Uncover the truth behind the viral myth that farting burns 67 calories per toot and its real impact on weight loss.
Passing gas is a natural bodily function that everyone experiences, but a persistent internet myth claims that each fart burns 67 calories, potentially leading to substantial weight loss. This article examines the science behind flatulence, debunks the myth, explores its minimal energy expenditure, and provides practical advice on managing gas and bloating for better digestive health.
How Could Farting Burn Calories?
The idea that farting burns calories stems from the physical act of expelling gas, which involves some muscle relaxation and pressure release in the intestines. Total energy expenditure (TEE) includes resting energy expenditure (REE) for basic functions like breathing, thermic effect of food (TEF) for digestion, and non-resting energy expenditure (NREE) for activities. Farting might theoretically fall under TEF or minor NREE if straining occurs, but experts confirm it contributes negligibly—far less than 0.1 calories per fart.
The viral 67-calorie claim, circulating since around 2015, suggests 20 daily farts could burn over 1,300 calories, equivalent to losing a pound in days. However, no scientific research supports this; it’s a baseless exaggeration. Physiology shows gas expulsion is mostly passive: abdominal muscles relax as bowel pressure pushes out the gas, requiring no significant muscle contraction or energy.
| Farts per Day | Estimated Calories Burned |
|---|---|
| 10 | ≈ 0.1 cal |
| 20 | ≈ 0.2 cal |
| 50 | ≈ 0.5 cal |
| 100 | ≈ 1.0 cal |
This table illustrates the trivial impact even at high volumes; normal daily farts (10-25) burn a quarter calorie or less. Straining to force a fart might engage muscles slightly, but it’s unhealthy, risks accidents, and burns at most 1-2 calories—insignificant for weight loss.
Why Farting Isn’t a Calorie Burner
Calorie burn requires active muscle work, like in exercise. Farting is passive; sphincters relax without contraction. Loudness or velocity doesn’t increase burn—it’s determined by gas volume and speed, composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, oxygen, and water vapor. Odor from sulfur compounds by gut bacteria plays no role in energy use.
Even explosive farts demand minimal effort. During workouts like HIIT or yoga, any ‘burn’ comes from the exercise, not the fart. Excessive gas can cause bloating by distending the abdomen, so releasing it relieves discomfort without aiding weight loss. Holding gas might tense muscles slightly, but the extra burn is minuscule and can lead to pain.
Can Farting Help Relieve Bloating?
While not a calorie torcher, farting effectively reduces bloating, the most common gas-related issue. Bloating arises from swallowed air, dietary factors, or gut fermentation. The American College of Gastroenterology notes excess intestinal gas as a primary cause. Passing wind expels this, making you feel lighter—though it’s gas loss (about 0.5-1.5 liters daily), not fat.
- Swallowed air: From eating fast, chewing gum, or carbonated drinks.
- Dietary triggers: High-fiber foods (beans, broccoli), lactose, fructose, or artificial sweeteners ferment in the gut.
- Gut motility: Slow digestion traps gas; exercise and hydration help.
Relief feels like slimming because abdominal distension decreases. Experts recommend farting when bloated for comfort.
Prevention Tips for Excessive Gas
Managing flatulence improves comfort without relying on myths. Key strategies include:
- Eat slowly to reduce air swallowing.
- Avoid triggers: Limit beans, onions, dairy if lactose intolerant, and fizzy drinks.
- Increase fiber gradually to allow gut adaptation.
- Stay active: Walking aids digestion and gas passage.
- Hydrate well and try peppermint tea for soothing effects.
Probiotics may balance gut bacteria, reducing fermentation, though evidence varies. Consult a doctor for persistent issues signaling IBS or intolerances.
Real Ways to Burn Calories and Lose Weight
Forget farting; sustainable weight loss demands calorie deficit via diet and exercise. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) burns 60-75% of daily calories at rest. Add NEAT (fidgeting, walking) and structured workouts:
- Cardio: Running or cycling burns 300-600 cal/hour.
- Strength training: Builds muscle to boost REE.
- Diet: Whole foods, protein focus increases TEF by 20-30%.
Track via apps, aim for 500-calorie daily deficit for 1 lb/week loss. Combine with sleep and stress management for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many calories does one fart burn?
A: Less than 0.1 calories—physiology experts confirm it’s negligible and insignificant for weight.
Q: Could holding in gas burn more calories?
A: Minimal extra tension on sphincters, but still trivial; better to release for comfort.
Q: Does fart smell indicate higher calorie burn?
A: No, odor from sulfur byproducts of bacterial digestion, unrelated to energy.
Q: Can diet affect farting’s energy cost?
A: High-fiber/protein raises overall TEF slightly, but gas release remains minor.
Q: Is farting during exercise beneficial?
A: Relieves bloating from trapped gas, improving comfort; calories from workout only.
Q: How much gas does a person produce daily?
A: 0.5-1.5 liters, or 10-25 farts; varies by diet and gut health.
Key Takeaways
- The 67-calorie fart myth is debunked—no research backs it.
- Farting burns virtually zero calories; focus on proven methods.
- It relieves bloating effectively, aiding comfort.
- Prevent gas with mindful eating, exercise, and trigger avoidance.
- For weight loss, prioritize balanced diet, movement, and tracking.
Flatulence is normal; embrace it for health without weight loss illusions. Consult professionals for ongoing digestive concerns.
References
- Does Farting Burn Calories? How Flatulence Impacts Weight Loss — Women’s Health Mag. 2016. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19995545/does-farting-burn-calories/
- Does Farting Burn Calories? Debunking the Myth — BodySpec. 2024. https://www.bodyspec.com/blog/post/does_farting_burn_calories_debunking_the_myth
- Does Farting Burn Calories: Myth and How It Works — Healthline. 2024-11-14. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-farting-burn-calories
- Does Farting Burn Calories? A Flatus Update — BODi. 2023. https://www.bodi.com/blog/does-farting-burn-calories
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