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Does Farting Burn Calories? A Gassy Guide to Flatulence and Fat Burn
08/05/2025
So, you’ve probably heard someone joke, “Hey, I farted—I must’ve burned a calorie!” It’s a funny thought, but is there any truth to it? Can breaking wind actually help you “does farting burn calories” break down fat?
This article dives deep (and maybe a little too far) into whether farting burns calories, where this rumor came from, and what science actually has to say about it. Let’s clear the air—figuratively and literally.
For more information, visit PowerUplift.
Table of Contents
The Viral Internet Claim
Imagine shedding weight just by letting one rip! If only it were that easy, right? But before we all start celebrating Taco Tuesdays like a gym session, let’s unpack the truth.
Why People Are Curious About Flatulence and Fitness
People are always looking for easy weight loss hacks—especially ones that sound silly but harmless. The idea that something your body does naturally, and often embarrassingly, could help with fitness is kind of irresistible.
The Science Behind Farting
What Causes a Fart?
This gas is produced when food breaks down in your digestive system, especially foods rich in fiber, like beans, broccoli, and oats.
The Role of Digestion and Gut Bacteria
Your intestines are full of bacteria—good ones, mostly—that help break down food. In the process, they release gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and sometimes sulfur (the smelly one).
Learn more at Johns Hopkins Medicine – Gut Health 🌐
Types of Gases Involved
Most farts are made up of:
- Nitrogen (20–90%)
- Hydrogen
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Oxygen
- Sulfur compounds (trace, but powerful)
The Process of Burning Calories
What Is a Calorie?
A calorie is just a unit of energy “does farting burn calories”. Your body uses calories to perform every function—breathing, thinking, moving, and yes, maybe even farting.
More details at MedlinePlus – Calories: What They Are and How They Work 🌐
How the Body Burns Energy
Energy gets used when your muscles contract, when your brain thinks, and when your heart pumps. Anything that involves effort—even tiny “does farting burn calories”, unconscious movements—uses calories.
Involuntary vs. Voluntary Movements
Some movements, like walking or lifting weights “does farting burn calories”, are obvious calorie burners. Others, like digesting food or shivering, still use energy, just not as much.
Can Farting Burn Calories?
Analyzing Muscle Use During Flatulence
When you fart, there’s a small amount of muscular contraction happening, mainly in your abdominal and rectal muscles. But don’t get too excited—it’s minimal.
The Caloric Cost of Releasing Gas
Experts estimate that the act of farting may burn “does farting burn calories” about 0.1 calories, if that. That’s 670 farts to burn 67 calories. You’d probably pass out from dehydration before that ever worked.
This claim has been debunked by Snopes 🌐
Comparing Farting to Other Bodily Functions
- Blinking: Burns more calories.
- Yawning: Still more.
- Typing on your phone: Surprisingly, more than farting.
Debunking the Myth
Origin of the Myth
It spread like wildfire because it’s hilarious, not because it’s true.
What Experts Say
Doctors and dietitians agree—farting doesn’t contribute meaningfully to calorie burn or weight loss.
Actual Studies and Scientific Consensus
No peer-reviewed studies support the idea that farting helps with fat loss. Case closed.
Check the reality from Harvard Health 🌐
Funny But True: Calorie Burn in Weird Ways
Sneezing
Uses chest and diaphragm muscles.
Laughing
Ten minutes of laughing can burn 10-40 calories, according to Mayo Clinic 🌐
Shivering
Your body burns a lot of energy to warm up “does farting burn calories”. It’s part of how brown fat works.
Does Holding in a Fart Burn More?
Tension and Muscle Contraction
Technically, holding in gas could use a little more energy as your body resists the release, but again, we’re talking fractions of a calorie.
Health Risks of Holding It In
Beyond calorie talk, holding it in can lead to bloating, cramping, and… let’s just say regret.
Read more at Cleveland Clinic – Why You Shouldn’t Hold in a Fart 🌐
Other Surprising Ways the Body Uses Energy
Breathing
That’s your basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Digesting Food (Thermic Effect)
About 10% of your daily calories are burned just from digesting food.
Thinking and Mental Effort
The brain uses about 20% of your daily energy, especially when focused or stressed. Learn more from Scientific American 🌐
Gut Health and Metabolism
How Gut Bacteria Influence Weight
Your microbiome plays a big role in digestion, metabolism, and yes, gas production.
Probiotics, Fiber, and Gas
Eating more fiber improves digestion and helps “feed” “does farting burn calories” your good gut bacteria, often leading to more gas—aka a healthy digestive system.
Check out NIH – Probiotics and the Gut 🌐
Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work
Diet Adjustments
Focus on whole foods, portion control, and cutting back on processed junk. Start with ChooseMyPlate.gov for guidance.
Exercise Strategies
Regular cardio, strength training, and staying active throughout the day are key. Reference: CDC Physical Activity Guidelines
Lifestyle Changes
Sleep, stress management, and hydration all “does farting burn calories” matter more than gas releases.
Fun Fart Facts
Average Number of Farts Per Day
Humans fart 14–23 times per day. You’re totally normal!
Why Farts Smell
Blame sulfur. Even tiny amounts make a big stink.
Loud vs. Silent Farts
Silent doesn’t mean scent-free!
The Psychology of Fart Curiosity
Why We Find It Funny
It’s taboo, unexpected, and let’s be honest—just hilarious.
Taboos Around Flatulence
In many cultures, farting is rude. In some, it’s a “does farting burn calories” compliment. Context is everything.
Social Media and Health Misinformation
The Danger of Viral Fitness Myths
Not all trending advice is safe—or true. Fact-check before you act.
How to Fact-Check Health Claims
Use trusted sites like:
Final Verdict: Should You Fart for Fitness?
What It Does and Doesn’t Do
Farting is normal. It shows your digestive system is working. But it won’t burn enough calories to matter in your fitness goals.
A Lighthearted Reality Check
You can laugh about it, but don’t build your weight loss strategy around it.
Conclusion
So, does farting burn calories? Technically, yes—a tiny bit. But “does farting burn calories” it’s so minuscule that it won’t affect your waistline. Still, it’s a fun and funky myth to explore. At the end of the day, flatulence is a normal, healthy part of life, but if you’re looking to lose weight, stick to proven methods like eating better and moving more. Let those farts fly freely—but don’t count on them for fitness!
FAQs
Q1: Does farting help you lose weight?
Not really. Farting expels gas, not fat. It may relieve bloating “does farting burn calories”, but it doesn’t lead to real weight loss.
Q3: Can farting be a sign of a fast metabolism?
Not directly. It’s more about diet and gut health than metabolism speed.
Q4: Is it unhealthy to fart a lot?
Not usually. If you’re farting often but not in pain, it likely just means you have a fiber-rich diet. If it’s painful or excessive, check with a doctor.
Q5: Are there any exercises that increase flatulence?
Yes! Yoga poses like wind-relieving pose (aptly named) or abdominal exercises can trigger gas release.
