Dr. Yelena Ustinova, an internal medicine specialist and nutrition expert, addresses a common belief: that engaging in mental work burns a significant amount of calories. But is that really true?
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She explains: "There is a popular notion that the brain consumes a great deal of energy, and therefore a lot of calories. Based on this, some people believe that those who constantly engage in mental work should be thin. However, this is completely incorrect."
According to Dr. Ustinova, even during intense mental activity, the brain burns only about 25 extra calories per hour. When a person is sitting and working on a computer or reading a book, the body burns only about 50–75 calories per hour. So even with deep mental engagement, the total calories burned per hour rarely exceed 100.
In contrast, physical activity tells a different story. For example:
Brisk walking at 5 km/h can burn up to 250 calories per hour.
Vigorous dancing or intense skating can burn up to 600 calories per hour.
She concludes: "There is no doubt that the greatest calorie expenditure comes from high levels of physical activity, not mental effort."
(Source: gazeta.ru)
