Farting is a natural bodily function, but could it also be a secret weight-loss hack? Some people joke that every toot torches calories, but is there any truth to this claim? In this article, we’ll explore whether farting actually burns calories, how digestion affects metabolism, and whether you can really “pass gas to pass the pounds.”
Do Farts Burn Calories? The Short Answer
Yes—technically, farting burns a tiny number of calories because it involves muscle contractions and gas expulsion. However, the amount is so minimal that it has no real impact on weight loss.
How Many Calories Does a Fart Burn?
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A single fart burns roughly 0.5 to 2 calories (depending on force and duration).
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The average person farts 5–15 times per day, burning only about 5–10 calories total—equivalent to walking for a minute.
So, while farting does expend some energy, it’s nowhere near enough to replace diet or exercise.
Why Do People Think Farting Burns Calories?
The idea likely comes from these facts:
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Digestion Burns Calories – Your body uses energy to break down food (the thermic effect of food).
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Gas Production Requires Energy – Gut bacteria ferment fiber, producing gas (and slight metabolic activity).
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Muscle Movement Burns Calories – Passing gas involves rectal and abdominal muscles.
However, the calorie burn is negligible compared to actual exercise.
Can You Increase Calorie Burn Through Farting?
Not in any meaningful way. Some factors influence gas production, but they won’t lead to weight loss:
Foods That Make You Fart More
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Beans, lentils, broccoli (high fiber)
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Dairy (if lactose intolerant)
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Carbonated drinks
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Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol)
Eating more of these might increase flatulence, but the extra calories burned would still be insignificant.
Holding in Farts vs. Letting Them Out
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Holding in a fart does not burn extra calories—it just builds pressure.
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Releasing gas is better for comfort and digestion.
What Actually Burns Calories?
If you’re looking for real calorie-burning activities, try:
✅ Walking (100–300 calories/hour)
✅ Strength training (builds muscle, which boosts metabolism)
✅ Eating protein-rich foods (increases the thermic effect of digestion)
Farting is not a weight-loss strategy—just a normal (and sometimes funny) bodily function.
Final Verdict: Does Farting Help You Lose Weight?
No. While farting does burn a minuscule number of calories, you’d need to pass gas thousands of times to equal the burn of a single workout. Focus on proven methods like diet and exercise instead!
FAQ
1. How many calories does a loud fart burn compared to a silent one?
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The sound doesn’t affect calorie burn—only muscle effort matters.
2. Can holding in farts make you gain weight?
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No, but it can cause bloating and discomfort.
3. Do some people fart more than others?
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Yes, depending on diet, gut bacteria, and food intolerances.
Conclusion
Farting burns a tiny amount of calories, but it’s not a weight-loss solution. Instead of counting toots, focus on healthy eating and regular exercise for real results.
Want to burn calories effectively? Try a 30-minute walk—it beats 1,000 farts! 😆
