Studying can be a mentally exhausting activity that often requires us to sit for hours at a stretch. While we are not performing any physical activity during this time, our bodies are expending a significant amount of energy to stay alert and focused.
In this article, we will explore the number of calories the body burns while studying and discuss ways to offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Understanding Calories
Before we delve into the specifics of how many calories we burn while studying, let’s first understand what a calorie is. A calorie is a unit of energy that the body uses to perform tasks like breathing, walking, and even digesting food.
Each person’s metabolic rate is different, but on an average, an adult burns around 2000-2500 calories per day.
How Many Calories Do We Burn While Studying?
According to studies, an average person burns approximately 100-150 calories per hour while studying. This number can vary based on various factors, such as age, weight, metabolic rate, and the intensity of the study session.
For instance, if a person is reading a challenging subject that requires intense concentration, the brain requires more energy to stay focused, leading to an increased calorie burn.
The Effects of Prolonged Sitting
While studying, we often sit for long periods without taking a break, which can have negative effects on our health. Prolonged sitting can lead to poor posture, back pain, and other ailments.
Related Article
Calories burned while doing homework
Additionally, sitting for extended periods can slow down the body’s metabolism, leading to a decrease in calorie burn and an increase in weight gain.
How to Offset the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting?
To offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting, it’s essential to incorporate physical activity into our daily routine.
Simple activities such as taking a short walk, stretching, or performing desk exercises can help to boost metabolism, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of health complications.
Calories Burned in Other Activities
While studying is not the most physically demanding activity, it’s still interesting to compare how many calories are burnt in other activities. Below is a list of some common activities and the number of calories burnt per hour:.
- Running – 600-700 calories per hour
- Cycling – 500-600 calories per hour
- Swimming – 400-500 calories per hour
- Walking – 200-300 calories per hour
Conclusion
While studying may not be the most physically demanding activity, our bodies still expend a significant amount of energy to stay alert and focused.
By incorporating physical activity into our daily routine, we can offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting and improve our overall health. Remember to take breaks, stretch, and stay active to boost your metabolism and stay healthy while studying!.
