Many people have the misconception that sex makes you gain weight, especially women. However, it is a myth. During sex, you burn around 100 calories in 30 minutes.
In addition, frequent sex activates oxytocin the love hormone that suppresses your appetite. This will help you cut down your calorie consumption and aid in losing weight.
Hormonal Changes
While there is a common perception that sex makes you gain weight because your body grows after sexual indulgence, it’s not true. There is zero connection between body growth and frequent sex. Moreover, the sex you have burns calories and may even help you lose weight.
However, there are several factors that can cause hormonal changes that lead to weight gain. One of them is the imbalance of essential hormones. The main sex hormones that control your metabolism, including food intake and body fat distribution, are estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are imbalanced, it can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Another factor is age-related hormone fluctuations. Women of childbearing age usually store fat around their thighs and hips (‘pear-shaped’), while postmenopausal women tend to increase the storage of fat in the abdomen (‘apple-shaped’). This change with age is caused by a decrease in oestrogen levels and can result in excessive weight gain.
Sexual activity also increases the blood flow to the pelvic area. This works the muscles there, which can improve bladder control in men and reduce symptoms of incontinence in women. This muscle-building effect can be enhanced by deep penetration during sex. In addition, the sex hormone oxytocin can suppress appetite and prevent overeating. Moreover, a recent study has shown that having sex can be equivalent to moderate exercise, with the heart rate increasing to 120 to 130 beats per minute, which is similar to climbing two flights of stairs.
Excessive Water Retention
Besides burning calories, sex can also help you lose weight. However, you should be careful about the type of sex you engage in. For instance, you shouldn’t have long, passionate sessions that can lead to water retention and make your body bloated.
It’s a common belief that regular sex makes a woman gain weight but it is not true. The main reason why women gain weight is due to hormonal imbalances, especially prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that increases milk production and it also has an effect on weight gain.
Another factor that leads to weight gain is excessive food consumption. Most people are guilty of this but you can change it by being mindful about your meals. You should eat smaller portions and avoid high-calorie foods. Moreover, you should also drink enough water to stay hydrated at all times.
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of drinking a glass of water before every meal. This will help your body to digest foods better and reduce bloating. Also, make sure to exercise regularly and avoid skipping meals. You can also try doing toning exercises to tone your abs and legs.
Excessive Food Consumption
Sex is known to burn calories. A man can burn up to 100 calories in a 30-minute sexual session. However, this can only happen if you go all out. Deep penetration and sex positions that involve your abdominal muscles help you burn more calories. However, it is also important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Some people may notice that they have thicker midriffs or larger thighs after sex. This is due to the coincidental increase in their hormone levels e.g., prolactin, which is released after orgasmic sex and during breastfeeding. This hormonal imbalance is referred to as hyperprolactinemia.
It is also a common belief that women gain weight after they get married and start having regular intercourse with their partner. This is a myth because men and women gain weight for a variety of reasons. It could be due to a change in their lifestyle, a sense of security or comfort or simply because they are eating more.
Moreover, women are more susceptible to obesity because of their reproductive organs. Indulging in sex can also cause them to feel more sensitive which, in turn, leads to overeating. Moreover, women tend to eat more after sex because of the satisfaction they feel afterwards. This is a vicious cycle that can be broken if you eat right and follow an exercise routine.
Physical Activity
One of the tallest myths that people have been carrying around is that sex can make you gain weight. Many women, especially those in long-term relationships, have been worried about gaining weight after having regular sexual activity. However, it’s a myth that must be debunked because there is no evidence of weight gain due to frequent sex.
In reality, sex is actually a form of exercise that can burn calories and tone muscles. It’s important to be active in bed and try different positions that require more movement. For example, try having deep penetration or using the core muscles in your abs. This will help to burn more calories and elevate your heart rate. Moreover, it will help you to feel more intense pleasure during sex because it will target deeper muscle groups.
Additionally, sex is also known to reduce stress and boost your confidence and self-esteem. It’s also a great way to bond with your partner. It can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and increase bladder control, which is especially helpful for women with incontinence issues. In addition, it can help you to sleep better.
Another benefit of sex is that it can help you lose weight by curbing your fat and carb cravings. This is because of the hormone cortisol, which is a natural fat-burning agent. In addition, it can reduce bloating and improve blood circulation.
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