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BURNING DESIRE

How many calories does sex burn?

SEX is often described as a great workout, but could it help you lose weight?

Doing the deed does indeed burn calories, though it might not be the quality cardio you think it is.

The sex position you're using, how long it lasts, and how active you are will have a pronounced effect on how many calories you're burning off
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The sex position you're using, how long it lasts, and how active you are will have a pronounced effect on how many calories you're burning offCredit: Getty

How many calories does sex burn?

The amount of calories you burn during sex depends on a few factors.

The sex position you choose, how long it lasts, and how active you are has a pronounced effect on how many you're burning off.

In a 2013 study, scientists at the University of Montreal found that men burn considerably more calories than women during sex.

Their results - published in the - found that, on average, men burn 100 calories, while for women it's 69.

It was estimated that men burn around 4.2 calories during a bonking session, with 3.1 for women.

This may be because men may be more physically active during sex, but it's mainly because men weigh more, and so their energy expenditure is higher, even for the same amount of exercise.

What are the best sex positions to burn calories?

The Squat

Women burn the most during The Squat –  188, this can be upped to 224 by going faster.

Doing a reverse squat will see you drop 137 calories, with the man found to drop 48 calories.

The Butter Churner

The Butter Churner is a pretty gymnastic position, but for those that can manage it, women lose around 179 in half an hour, while men will blaze through around 211.

The Kneeling Wheelbarrow

The Kneeling Wheelbarrow is a great way to shed loads of calories.

Women can expend 149 calories in this position, while men will lose around 167.

Standing Position

The Standing position is another big energy burner and is the second most intense position for blokes.

Men can burn around 198 calories, while women will lose around 145.

There's no evidence to suggest that having sex daily has any ill effects on your mental or physical health
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There's no evidence to suggest that having sex daily has any ill effects on your mental or physical healthCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Cowgirl & Reverse Cowgirl

Cowgirl and Reverse Cowgirl both burn quite a lot of calories for women - around 139 and 137 respectively.

Men exert less effort in these positions and only lose 48 calories.

Lotus

The Lotus doesn't require a high level of flexibility and will also help you lose a fair few calories - 148 for men, and 139 for women.

69

The 69 requires quite an expenditure of effort from both partners, but significantly more for women in the study who lost around 111, to the men's 78.

Is having sex every day healthy?

There's no evidence to suggest that having sex daily has any ill effects on your mental or physical health.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The exception to this might be getting soreness on your genitals from frequent sex.

If this occurs it might be a good idea to give your erotic equipment a much-needed rest.

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