Does Farting Burn Calories? Fact-Checking the Myth

The viral claim that a single fart burns 67 calories is a widespread internet myth with no scientific evidence. Passing gas is a passive bodily function involving the movement of gas through the intestines and the relaxation of the anal sphincter, which does not result in measurable energy expenditure or farting calorie burn.

The Genealogy of a Myth: Where Did 67 Calories Come From?

In the age of viral social media, misinformation often travels faster than scientific fact. The is the 67 calorie fart myth true question first gained traction around 2009 on a now-defunct Q&A site called ChaCha. A user posted the claim without any supporting data, and it lay dormant until a 2015 Facebook post reignited the fire. Since then, the idea has been shared millions of times, often cited as a quirky weight loss hack.

However, a quick look at the metabolic impact of flatulence reveals the absurdity of the number. To put it in perspective, burning 67 calories would require roughly 10 to 15 minutes of brisk walking or several minutes of intense burpees. If the human body burned that much energy every time it released gas, the average person—passing gas up to 25 times a day—would lose several pounds of body fat every week just by existing.

Medical experts have debunked these claims by pointing out that our basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation do not account for passive gas release as a form of energy expenditure. The metabolic impact of flatulence is essentially non-existent because the body is not performing "work" in the physical sense. This internet hoax serves as a reminder that while we all wish for a shortcut to weight loss, the science of energy balance remains rooted in movement and nutrition rather than digestive bypasses.

Physiology 101: Muscle Relaxation vs. Contraction

To understand why the 67 calories myth is false, we need to look at the mechanics of the human body. Digestion is a complex process that involves peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move food and gas through your system. While peristalsis does require a small amount of energy, the final act of passing gas is primarily a function of relaxation.

The anal sphincter is a ring of muscle that stays contracted to keep waste inside. When gas reaches the rectum, the internal anal sphincter relaxes involuntarily. To release the gas, we typically relax the external anal sphincter. In physics, work is defined as force times displacement. Since you are relaxing a muscle to allow gas to escape, you are not engaging in the type of muscle activation that leads to measurable energy expenditure.

There is one exception: straining. If someone actively uses their abdominal muscles to force gas out, they are engaging in a voluntary contraction. Even then, the muscles used when passing gas and calorie burn associated with that effort are incredibly small. Health professionals estimate that even the most forceful straining would result in a negligible energy expenditure, likely no more than one or two calories. Furthermore, straining is not a healthy habit; it can lead to issues like hemorrhoids or pelvic floor strain, making it a poor strategy for metabolic impact of digestive gas release.

Feeling Lighter: Why Farting Reduces Bloating but Not Weight

If farting doesn't burn fat, why do so many people feel significantly lighter afterward? This sensation is often the reason people wonder does passing gas help you lose weight. The answer lies in the difference between body mass and abdominal distension.

Intestinal gas is the byproduct of the gut microbiome fermenting carbohydrates that were not fully digested in the small intestine. This gas can create significant pressure within the digestive tract, causing the abdomen to stretch. This is known as abdominal distension. When you release that pressure, the physical circumference of your waist may literally decrease for a moment, and the internal tension vanishes. This psychological and physical relief is frequently confused with actual weight loss.

However, gas has very little mass. Even a large volume of gas weighs almost nothing. Therefore, the does passing gas lose weight question can be answered with a "technically no." You are losing volume, not mass. Releasing gas is an excellent way to achieve farting to reduce bloating vs weight loss, but it will not help you drop a clothing size in the long term. True weight loss involves the oxidation of fat cells, a process that happens through a sustained caloric deficit and metabolic activity, not through the release of air.

When to See a Doctor: What Your Gas Is Actually Telling You

While we have established that farting calorie burn is a myth, the frequency and nature of your gas can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. Flatulence is a natural part of a healthy gut microbiome, but excessive or painful gas can be a signal that something in your diet or digestive system needs attention.

Most gas is produced by the fermentation of fibers and sugars by bacteria in the large intestine. If you notice a sudden increase in gas, it might be due to a high intake of "gas-forming" foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables, or artificial sweeteners. However, it can also point to food intolerances, such as lactose or fructose malabsorption.

If you are concerned about your digestive health, look for these red flags:

• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Chronic bloating that does not resolve after passing gas
• A significant change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Bloody stools or unexplained weight loss
• Intense odors that are persistent and new

Instead of worrying about how to reduce intestinal gas through diet for the sake of calories, focus on what your body is trying to communicate. A well-functioning metabolism is supported by a diverse microbiome. If you find yourself wondering can excessive gas indicate a metabolic issue, the answer is usually more about the efficiency of your digestion than the speed of your metabolism.

FAQ

How many calories do you burn when you fart?

You burn essentially zero calories when passing gas. Because flatulence is a passive bodily function that involves muscle relaxation rather than contraction, it does not require the body to expend any measurable energy. Even if you were to strain, the energy used would be so small it wouldn't impact your daily caloric total.

Does farting help you lose weight?

No, it does not contribute to fat loss or long-term weight reduction. While you might feel lighter because you are releasing internal pressure and reducing abdominal distension, the gas being released has virtually no mass. Real weight loss requires the burning of body fat through metabolic processes, which flatulence does not trigger.

Is it true that one fart burns 67 calories?

No, this is a viral internet myth that originated on a prank website in 2009. There is no scientific evidence or physiological mechanism that would allow the body to burn such a significant amount of energy—roughly the equivalent of walking for 15 minutes—by simply releasing intestinal gas.

Can farting help reduce bloating?

Yes, passing gas is one of the most effective ways to relieve bloating and abdominal pressure. Bloating is often caused by trapped gas in the digestive tract, and releasing it alleviates the stretching of the intestinal walls, which makes the stomach look flatter and feel more comfortable.

Does holding in gas affect your metabolism?

Holding in gas does not have a direct impact on your basal metabolic rate or your body's ability to burn fat. However, it can lead to significant physical discomfort, bloating, and even indigestion. In some cases, trapped gas can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the breath, but it will not change your metabolic speed.