How Many Calories Does Anxiety Burn? Unraveling the Link Between Stress and Metabolism

Ever Wondered If Freaking Out Actually Torches Calories?
Let’s cut to the chase: When anxiety hits, your heart races, your palms sweat, and your mind spirals. But does all that mental chaos actually burn calories? Spoiler alert—it’s complicated. Buckle up as we dive into the messy relationship between anxiety and calorie burn, separating myths from facts.

Key Takeaways

1. Anxiety can briefly increase calorie burn due to heightened physical responses like a racing heart.
2. Chronic anxiety may slow metabolism over time, countering short-term effects.
3. Weight changes from anxiety depend on how your body handles stress—some lose weight, others gain.
4. Managing anxiety is key to maintaining a healthy metabolism and overall well-being.

The Short Answer: Yes, Anxiety Burns Calories… But Not Enough to Celebrate

Okay, let’s tackle the big question: How many calories does anxiety burn? Research suggests that during an anxiety attack, your body might burn 5-20 extra calories compared to resting. That’s roughly the same as walking up a flight of stairs. Not exactly a substitute for the gym, right?

But here’s the kicker: While short bursts of stress might rev your engine, long-term anxiety can throw your metabolism out of whack. Let’s break it down.

Why Anxiety Makes Your Body Work Overtime (Temporarily)

When anxiety strikes, your body flips into “fight-or-flight” mode. Adrenaline floods your system, your heart pumps faster, and muscles tense up—all of which require energy. This is where calories burned by anxiety come into play.

• Increased heart rate: A racing heart uses more energy.
• Muscle tension: Clenched jaws or tightened shoulders burn calories.
• Rapid breathing: Heavy breathing ups oxygen intake, boosting metabolic activity.

Think of it like idling a car engine. You’re burning fuel, but you’re not going anywhere.

The Dark Side: How Chronic Anxiety Slows Your Metabolism

Here’s where things get tricky. While short-term stress might burn a few extra calories, ongoing anxiety does the opposite. Cortisol (the “stress hormone”) rises with prolonged stress, leading to:

• Cravings for sugary, fatty foods (thanks, cortisol!).
• Slower metabolism as your body clings to energy stores.
• Fat storage, especially around the belly.

So, while anxiety-induced calorie expenditure exists, it’s often canceled out by these sneaky side effects.

Anxiety Attacks vs. Daily Stress: Which Burns More?

Not all anxiety is created equal. A full-blown panic attack—think pounding heart, dizziness, and shaking—might spike calorie burn temporarily. But daily low-grade worry? It’s more like background noise for your metabolism.

Studies show caloric expenditure during anxiety attacks can briefly rise, similar to light exercise. However, frequent attacks drain energy reserves, leaving you exhausted—and hungry.

Wait, Can Anxiety Cause Weight Loss?

Some people do lose weight during high-stress periods. Why? Anxiety can:

• Kill appetite (nausea = no eating).
• Speed up digestion (hello, stress-induced diarrhea).
• Increase restless movements (pacing, fidgeting).

But this isn’t “healthy” weight loss. It’s your body screaming, “I’m overwhelmed!”

Stress vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference for Calorie Burn?

Stress and anxiety are cousins, not twins. Acute stress (like a work deadline) might temporarily boost calorie burn. Chronic anxiety, however, keeps cortisol levels high, which can:

• Disrupt sleep (hurting metabolism).
• Promote fat storage.
• Trigger emotional eating.

So, does stress burn calories? Yes—but only in small, fleeting doses.

How to Manage Anxiety Without Wrecking Your Metabolism

Want to keep anxiety from hijacking your health? Try these tips:

1. Move your body: Exercise burns calories and reduces anxiety. Win-win.
2. Eat mindfully: Choose protein and fiber to stabilize blood sugar.
3. Sleep like it’s your job: Poor sleep worsens anxiety and slows metabolism.
4. Breathe deeply: Calm your nervous system with 5-minute breathing exercises.

Remember: Managing anxiety isn’t about burning calories—it’s about reclaiming peace.

Final Thoughts: Is Anxiety a Secret Weight-Loss Hack?

Let’s be real: Anxiety is not a wellness strategy. While it might burn a handful of calories in the moment, the long-term toll on your body and mind isn’t worth it. Instead of asking, “How many calories does anxiety burn?” ask, “How can I feel calmer today?” Your metabolism—and your sanity—will thank you.

So, what’s your take? Have you noticed weight changes during stressful times? Share your story (and maybe a stress-relief tip!) below.