I have sex about three times a week to exercise and lose weight, but instead, I am gaining weight. Why is that? Oleng
Dear Oleng
Weight management is influenced by multiple factors, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management.
A balanced diet that limits processed foods, excessive sugar, and saturated fats is essential, as these can contribute to weight gain even when you are active.
Adults are generally advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training, which helps build and maintain muscle mass and boosts metabolism.
Adequate sleep, usually six to eight hours per night, and effective stress management are also critical, because poor sleep and high stress levels can disrupt hormones such as cortisol and ghrelin, which control appetite and fat storage.
While sex does burn calories; approximately 100 for men and 70 for women per session, the intensity and duration are usually not enough to replace regular exercise.
The activity engages muscles in the legs, arms, and core, but not to a degree sufficient for significant weight loss.
Despite this, sex offers other valuable health benefits, including stress relief, improved heart health, and better sleep quality.
For optimal weight management, it should complement a consistent exercise routine and healthy lifestyle, rather than being relied upon as the primary form of physical activity.