The metabolic truth: How many calories does masturbation actually burn?
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 07, 2025 · 13 min read
Most men burn roughly 15–40 kilocalories during a 10–15 minute masturbation session (about 2–3 METs, closer to slow walking than a workout). That small burn can still affect stress and sleep, so here’s what the research shows and how to think about it in a male-focused fat-loss plan. “Masturbation is normal, healthy sexual behavior for ...