Sweating Over the Board: Does Chess Burn Calories?

Most people consider chess as a sedentary activity; however, some chess players claim that playing chess can actually burn calories and even contribute to weight loss.

This has been debated among chess players, fitness enthusiasts, and health professionals, but is there any truth to it? Does chess burn calories for real?

Chess burns a small number of calories as it mainly involves mental exertion with minimal physical effort. You might burn around 50-100 calories playing chess for an hour, depending on your weight and the intensity of the game. So, you shouldn’t rely only on playing chess to lose significant weight.

Keep reading to learn more about whether chess really burns calories as we examine how the mental demands of the game can have a physical impact on the body. 

Does Chess Burn Calories?

There is a debate over whether chess can burn calories, with some considering it a myth while others, particularly chess players, argue that it’s true. 

The truth is, playing chess does burn some calories, but the amount is relatively low compared to more physically demanding activities. The primary reason for this is that chess is a mainly mentally stimulating game, and the physical effort required to play is minimal. 

During a game of chess, the brain is highly active, requiring significant mental effort, concentration, and focus. This level of mental exertion increases the metabolic rate by up to 20% and leads to a modest calorie burn.

How Many Calories Does Chess Burn?

The exact number of calories burned during a game of chess varies depending on a person’s weight and level of intensity. 

Generally, it is estimated that an hour of play can burn around 50-100 calories. This is equivalent to the number of calories burned while sitting and watching television.

However, there is a claim that chess can burn as many calories as playing tennis, as shown in a real-life experiment conducted by the company Polard. 

During a tournament in October 2018, the Russian grandmaster Mikhail Antipov burned approximately 560 calories over two hours of play. This is comparable to the calorie burn of tennis star Roger Federer, who burns roughly the same amount in one hour of play.

Why Do Grandmasters Experience Extreme Weight Loss?

Even though playing chess doesn’t really burn that many calories, several famous chess players have reported substantial weight loss during tournaments.

For instance, during the Karpov VS Kasparov World Chess Championship in 1984, Anatoly Karpov dropped 22 pounds, leading to the cancellation of the event and Kasparov’s de facto victory. 

Other examples include Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, who claims to lose up to 15 pounds during tournaments when slightly nervous, and Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who withdrew from the 2004 world title after losing about 17 pounds just from playing in the tournament.

There are several reasons why this happens, including:

1. Immense Stress: Chess is a mentally challenging game that requires players to remain highly focused and alert throughout a game that can last for several hours.
   • This level of concentration puts an immense amount of stress on the mind, which can lead to weight loss.
     • The body’s response to stress is to release cortisol, a hormone that increases the heart rate and causes the body to break down muscle tissue to use as energy, leading to weight loss.
2. Increased Heart Rate: Chess Grandmasters experience a significant increase in their heart rate while playing the game due to the adrenaline rush that comes with making a critical move, calculating a complex strategy, or feeling the pressure of the clock. 
   • This can lead to weight loss as the body burns more calories when the heart rate is elevated.
3. Lack of Sleep: Chess players often sacrifice their sleep to prepare for a tournament or a match. The lack of sleep can cause the body to release more cortisol, which can lead to weight loss. 
   • In addition, a lack of sleep can cause the body to produce more ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, and less leptin, a hormone that suppresses hunger, leading to overeating and weight gain.
4. Increased Blood Pressure: Chess Grandmasters experience an increase in blood pressure during a game, which can also contribute to weight loss. High blood pressure can cause the body to produce more cortisol, which can lead to muscle breakdown and weight loss.
5. Loss of Appetite: The stress and adrenaline rush of playing chess can cause some players to lose their appetite. This can lead to a calorie deficit and weight loss. 
   • Additionally, some players may intentionally limit their food intake to maintain focus during a game.

However, it’s important to note that such extreme weight loss during tournaments is not a healthy or sustainable way to lose weight and can result in various other health issues. Players to prioritize their health and well-being, including getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet, to avoid negative health consequences.

Does Chess Actually Help with Weight Loss?

While playing chess does burn some calories, the amount is not significant enough to contribute to weight loss. Despite this, playing chess can still have some indirect health benefits that may aid in weight loss. 

For example, regular chess play can improve cognitive function and concentration, which can lead to better decision-making and self-control regarding food choices. Additionally, playing chess can reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can prevent emotional eating and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Still, keep in mind that playing chess is not a substitute for other forms of exercise or a healthy diet when it comes to achieving sustainable weight loss.

How to Avoid Losing Weight While Playing Chess?

If you want to avoid losing weight while playing chess, there are several things you can do:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated during long periods of play can help maintain your weight and prevent dehydration.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet with enough calories can help ensure that your body is getting enough energy to sustain itself during play.
3. Take breaks: Taking short breaks during long periods of play can help prevent fatigue and give your body time to recover.
4. Avoid fasting or extreme dieting: Engaging in restrictive diets or fasting during tournaments can contribute to weight loss and may be detrimental to your health in the long run.
5. Pay attention to your body: If you notice significant weight loss or other symptoms of poor health, it’s important to seek medical attention and make any necessary adjustments to your diet or lifestyle.

Do You Need to Be Physically Fit to Play Chess?

Chess is a mental game that does not require physical fitness in the traditional sense. While being physically fit can have indirect benefits for mental health and cognitive function, it’s not a prerequisite for playing chess. 

Chess players come from all walks of life, and physical fitness is not a factor in determining one’s ability to play or excel at the game. However, maintaining good posture and sitting position during extended periods of play can help prevent discomfort and fatigue, making it easier to stay focused on the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chess is not a physically demanding activity, and it burns a relatively small amount of calories compared to other sports or exercise. However, playing chess regularly can still aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

If you did find this article helpful, please consider sharing, as it can help this little site grow 🙏