Masturbation Does Not Cause Weight Gain
There is no evidence that frequent masturbation causes weight gain in adults. The relationship between masturbation and body weight, when observed in research, actually shows the opposite pattern—slimmer individuals tend to masturbate less frequently, not more.
Evidence on Masturbation and Body Weight
The only study examining the direct relationship between masturbation frequency and body composition found that slimmer waist and hip measurements were associated with less frequent masturbation in both men and women 1. This cross-sectional study of 120 healthy adults aged 19-38 demonstrated that individuals with lower waist and hip circumference engaged in masturbation less often, while having more frequent partnered sexual activity 1.
What Actually Causes Weight Gain
Weight gain occurs when caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure 2. The primary factors associated with weight gain include:
- Dietary factors: High total energy intake, consumption of high-fat foods (9 kcal/g), and excessive alcohol intake (7 kcal/g) contribute to weight gain 2
- Physical inactivity: Insufficient physical activity relative to caloric intake leads to positive energy balance and weight accumulation 2
- Certain medications: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), some antipsychotics (olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine), and certain antiepileptics (valproate, gabapentin, pregabalin) are associated with significant weight gain 2, 3
- Behavioral patterns: Dieting paradoxically increases risk of weight gain twofold over 5 years, likely due to metabolic adaptation and behavioral rebound 2
Masturbation as Normal Sexual Behavior
Research consistently demonstrates that masturbation is a common, normal sexual behavior:
- 94.5% of German women reported having masturbated at least once in their lifetime, with typical frequency of 2-3 times per week 4
- 91% of Portuguese women in a community sample reported lifetime masturbation experience 5
- Masturbation is associated with positive sexual health outcomes, including greater ease reaching arousal and orgasm, and broader sexual repertoire 5
- Women report diverse motivations for masturbation including sexual desire, stress reduction, and relaxation—not as a "partner substitute" 4, 6
Clinical Implications
When patients express concern about masturbation and weight:
- Reassure them that masturbation does not cause weight gain and is a normal component of healthy sexual development 7, 5
- Address actual weight concerns by evaluating dietary intake, physical activity levels, and medication side effects 2
- Screen for underlying issues if excessive concern about masturbation exists, as shame and guilt (reported by a minority of women) may reflect broader sexual health education gaps 5