When people engage in aerobic exercise, their bodies naturally reduce energy use in other activities, such as fidgeting or digestion, which offsets about 69% of the calories burned during the workout.

We analyzed the available evidence on whether aerobic exercise leads to compensatory reductions in other metabolic activities that offset about 69% of calories burned during the workout. What we’ve found so far is mixed: 71 studies or assertions support this idea, while 61 refute it. The evidence does not clearly show that the body consistently reduces energy use in activities like fidgeting or digestion by exactly 69% after aerobic exercise. Some data suggest that when people exercise more, they may move less at other times or their bodies adjust how much energy they use for processes like digestion, but other studies show no such pattern. We cannot say this compensation happens in a predictable or uniform way across individuals. The number 69% appears in some reports, but it is not consistently observed across all studies. Our current analysis shows that while compensation may occur in some cases, it is not strong or consistent enough to be treated as a general rule. The variation between people — including differences in age, fitness level, diet, and behavior — makes it hard to apply one number to everyone. What we’ve found so far suggests that the body may adjust energy use in response to exercise, but the extent and reliability of that adjustment remain unclear. If you’re trying to manage your energy balance through exercise, it’s best to focus on consistent movement and healthy eating rather than assuming your body will automatically reduce calories burned in other ways.