Can Frequent Sex Make A Woman Gain Weight?

Putting on weight ever since your first sexual encounter or indulging in regular sex being the major contributor behind your weight gain is definitely the most common discussion that women have with their partner or friends. Weight gain due to frequent sex is a myth that needs to be debunked. There is no direct correlation between commencement of the sexual activity, the frequency or duration of sexual activity contrary to the popular belief. In fact, regular sex can lead to weight loss.

There are chances that some women witness changes in their bodies like thicker midriff, chunkier thighs or bigger buttocks due to regular sex. This may well be true but the reasons for these changes are different. The most common reason is the coincidental start of a hormone imbalance e.g. PCOS.

Another reason could also be due to a sense of settlement and security after marriage where both men and women will notice weight gain. Research data shows that single people tend to eat less whereas married or committed couples tend to eat together with an increase in caloric intake. It also states that a happy marriage may increase appetite and may well contribute to weight gain.

(Also read: 5 Signs That Indicate Your Partner Is Commitment Phobic)

^{Weight gain due to frequent sex is a myth that needs to be debunked}

It is a known fact that pregnancy changes the female body forever. This is the time where women naturally gain weight due to the foetus, placenta and increased caloric intake to support the pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones also contribute to weight gain by water retention, increasing the breast size in preparation for breastfeeding and increasing the body's demand for food and increased storage in terms of fat deposition.

Sex And Weight Loss

One must have heard that sex burns a lot of calories and it would not be wrong to call it a form of exercise. Research suggests that around 100 calories are burnt every 30 mins of activity in bed. So, the more active you are in bed, the more you lose weight. Sex is also good for your heart. Heart rate goes up to 120 to 130 beats per minute and equals taking 2 to 3 flights of stairs. A university of Quebec study showed that having sex was equal to moderate-intensity exercise. Hence each time one has sex, it counts toward the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise and is a far more pleasant way of staying fit than hitting the gym.

(Also read: Expert Tips That You Need To Know Before Your First Sexual Experience)

^{Each time one has sex, it counts toward the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise}

Researchers from Bangor University, UK, identified changes in appetite-controlling hormones possibly making us eat less by suppressing appetite. This probably happens because Oxytocin the Love Hormone increases during sex and oxytocin is known to reduce calorie consumption. Oxytocin is a short-lived hormone and hence the beneficial effect on suppressed appetite is more with frequent sex.

So, the next time you say that you have gotten a bigger belly, don't fit in your denim anymore and have got bigger buttocks post making out with your partner, you must note that sex will never change the way your body looks. There is absolutely no connection between body growth and sexual indulgence. In fact, it has been researched that sex on the other hand facilitates burning down calories. The best way to stay healthy and keep a check on your weight is by following a healthy lifestyle and consumption of a balanced diet. 

About the author: Dr. Anagha Karkhanis is the Senior Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist and Director of Cocoon Fertility. She has been working in the field of fertility since 2006 and has been trained in Ireland, India and Germany.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.