How Many Calories Does Muscle Burn Compared To Fat?

According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the amount of calories you burn depends on several factors. Physical activity level, resting metabolic rate and genetics can all determine how quickly calories are metabolized, or burned, after consuming food. The more lean body mass you have, the more quickly you will metabolize the calories you consume.

Resting Metabolic Rate

Resting metabolic rate is the amount of energy the body requires to perform basic daily functions such as respiration and digestion, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Resting metabolic rates are specific to individuals and highly dependent on physical activity, genetics and lean body mass. An increase in either physical activity or lean body mass will result in an increase in your daily energy expenditure, and will positively affect the resting metabolic rate.

Muscle Metabolism

The Mayo Clinic asserts that resting metabolic rates are higher in people with more lean body mass, or muscle. Claims have been made that muscle burns fat at rates upwards of 30 times that of fat. However, this appears to not be the case. Fitness author Christian Finn writes that for every pound of muscle you have, your body will burn about 6 calories per day. This is referred to as the daily metabolic rate.

Fat Metabolism

Fat metabolism, or lipolysis, has a daily metabolic rate of about two calories, according to Finn. Therefore muscle has a daily metabolic rate of about three times that of fat. This isn't quite as high as previous claims, however it is still a valid reason to build more muscle and decrease fat.

Burning Fat Through Exercise

The National Strength and Conditioning Association says that lipolysis is highest when performing aerobic activity at an intensity of 60 to 65 percent of maximal oxygen consumption. When working out at intensities greater than this, the body turns to stored carbohydrates for energy rather than fat. This 60 to 65 percent intensity is known as the "fat-burning zone."

Improving General Metabolism

Metabolism is a product of resting metabolic rate. Because resting metabolic rate is influenced by lean body mass and physical activity, increasing these factors will improve metabolism. The Mayo Clinic recommends aerobic activity of at least 30 minutes, five days a week. A well-balanced exercise program also includes strength training because of muscle's higher daily metabolic rate, the Mayo Clinic reports. Strength training can also fight some of the natural muscle atrophy that occurs with aging.