How Many Calories Does Throwing Up Burn

Ever wondered—after one too many slices of pizza—if forcing yourself to vomit will cancel out the calories? It’s a question some people quietly ask themselves in the moment, but it’s important to know the facts: not only is the calorie burn from vomiting negligible, it’s also dangerous. In this article I’ll explain exactly how many calories does throwing up burn, why the number is tiny, and what safe, effective alternatives exist for weight management.

How many calories does throwing up burn?

Short answer: very few. The act of vomiting is a brief, forceful muscular event—primarily contraction of the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and throat—and it does expend some energy, but the total calorie cost is minimal. Most medical and physiology experts estimate that a single episode of vomiting burns only a handful of calories—typically in the single digits to low double digits at most. That’s a tiny fraction compared with the hundreds of calories in a typical meal.

Why the calorie burn is so small

• Duration: Vomiting lasts seconds to a minute; calorie burn is directly tied to time spent moving muscles.
• Muscle mass involved: While strong, the muscles used are a small portion of total body mass and don’t contract long enough to use much energy.
• Metabolic cost vs. intake: Even if a purge burned 20 calories, that would still leave you with the greater caloric impact of the food consumed.

Putting it into perspective: one episode of vomiting might burn the same number of calories as a few minutes of light activity (like standing or chewing gum), whereas a moderate 30-minute walk or a short HIIT session can burn dozens to hundreds of calories.

Health risks of purging and why it’s not a weight-loss method

Using vomiting to control weight—intentional purging—is associated with serious physical and mental health risks. If you or someone you know is using this behavior, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional or mental health specialist.

Common medical harms from frequent vomiting

• Electrolyte imbalances (dangerous for heart rhythm)
• Esophageal tears or chronic irritation
• Dental erosion and mouth/throat damage
• Gastrointestinal problems like reflux and chronic stomach pain
• Mental health consequences and risk for eating disorders

If purging is part of how you cope with food, stress, or body image issues, talk to a doctor, therapist, or a trusted person about getting professional support right away.

Healthy alternatives to burn calories and manage weight

If your goal is fat loss or improved fitness, focus on sustainable strategies that protect your health and mental wellbeing. Below are practical tips and workout variations you can start using today.

Practical fitness tips

• Combine strength training (2–3 times per week) with cardio to increase metabolism and preserve muscle mass.
• Try interval training: 20–30 minutes of HIIT can burn a lot of energy in a short time and improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis): stand more, take the stairs, pace during calls—small moves add up.
• Prioritize sleep and stress management—poor sleep and chronic stress disrupt hormones that control appetite and fat storage.

Quick workout variations

• Beginner HIIT (20 minutes): 30s fast bodyweight squats, 30s rest; 30s push-ups/knee push-ups, 30s rest; repeat 5 rounds.
• Strength micro-session (15–25 minutes): 3 rounds of 8–12 reps of squats, bent-over rows, and deadlifts (or safe alternatives) with controlled rest.
• Walking + intervals: 30–45 minute walk with 1-minute brisk intervals every 5 minutes to boost calorie burn.

Nutrition and lifestyle advice

• Focus on whole-food meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to increase satiety and reduce overeating.
• Practice portion control and mindful eating instead of restrictive diets that can trigger disordered behaviors.
• Plan meals and snacks so blood sugar stays steady—this reduces impulsive eating and the urge to purge.

If you want structured plans, check out our workout routines and nutrition guides for beginner-to-advanced programs, or visit our wellness tips for habit-based strategies.

Real-world examples: comparing calorie burn

Here are a few realistic comparisons to show why vomiting is not an effective way to lose calories:

• Typical vomiting episode: likely under 10–20 calories (often single digits).
• 30-minute brisk walk: roughly 150–250 calories depending on body weight and pace.
• 20-minute HIIT session: commonly 200–400 calories depending on intensity.
• One slice of pizza: roughly 200–350 calories (varies by type and size).

These numbers highlight that even frequent, repeated vomiting would not meaningfully offset caloric intake and would create serious health risks instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many calories does throwing up burn?

Vomiting burns very few calories—generally only a handful (single-digit) to low double digits per episode at most. The exact value varies, but it is negligible compared with the calories in a typical meal.

2. Is vomiting an effective weight loss method?

No. Vomiting is not an effective or safe method for weight loss. It causes health complications like electrolyte imbalances, dental and esophageal damage, and worsened mental health. Sustainable weight loss comes from consistent nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes.

3. What should I do if I or someone I know is vomiting to control weight?

Seek help immediately. Talk to a physician, mental health professional, or a trusted support person. If there is immediate danger or severe medical symptoms (fainting, chest pain, irregular heartbeat), seek emergency medical care. Early professional intervention can prevent long-term harm.

Conclusion: Don’t rely on vomiting — choose safe, effective strategies

So, how many calories does throwing up burn? Very few—far too few to make it a rational or safe strategy for weight control. If weight loss or body composition is your goal, focus on sustainable exercise, balanced nutrition, sleep, and stress management. And if purging is part of your life, please reach out for professional support—you don’t have to handle it alone.

Ready to make a healthy change? Browse our workout routines, read our nutrition guides, or explore wellness tips to get started with safe, effective habits today. If you’re struggling emotionally or with disordered eating, contact a healthcare professional or support service in your area right away.