
05/08/2025
Yes, you read that right: kissing can burn serious calories. According to various studies on metabolic activity and physical intimacy, an hour-long makeout session can torch approximately 156 calories - which breaks down to about 2 to 3 calories per minute. While it's not quite a substitute for cardio, it’s a delightful bonus of romantic activity.
So, how does kissing burn calories? It activates 34 facial muscles and over 100 postural muscles, depending on intensity. The heart rate increases, breathing becomes deeper, and core muscles often engage - especially in more physical or full-body kissing scenarios. It’s a mild form of aerobic exercise, particularly when combined with the emotional excitement that triggers adrenaline and dopamine release.
Kissing also helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin - the “bonding hormone” - which is why it feels so emotionally rewarding. In terms of calorie comparison, one hour of kissing burns roughly the same as a light walk or doing yoga for 30 minutes.
In fact, researchers suggest couples who kiss more frequently not only enjoy better relationships, but may also experience lower stress, improved immunity, and better heart health. So the next time someone says kissing is pointless - remind them it’s basically a workout with benefits.!