What Is A ‘Fart Walk’?: The Wellness Hack You Need To Know

A new wellness trend called the “fart walk” is going viral for all the right reasons — despite its giggle-inducing name. Coined by Canadian cookbook author Mairlyn Smith, this post-meal walking habit has drawn attention not only from TikTokers but also from respected medical professionals, who say it offers significant digestive and long-term health benefits.

In a TikTok video that sparked the trend, Smith explained the concept: “Going for a fart walk after dinner is something that is going to help you age wonderfully.” She added, “We eat a lot of fiber, so we have gas — everybody does — so you fart when you walk. But the main reason we do the fart walks is by walking for as little as two minutes… we are helping reduce our chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.”

Doctors Back the Trend for Digestion and Disease Prevention

Several health experts are backing the science behind this light, humorous-sounding practice. Dr. Tim Tiutan, an internal medicine physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said in an Instagram video, “I totally support fart walks. Walking after meals does promote intestinal motility — or movement of our intestines — to get rid of gas and prevent constipation.”

Dr. Tiutan also emphasized broader benefits of this low-effort fitness routine: “Another benefit of exercise is not only preventing large spikes in blood sugar or even making us more sensitive to insulin for up to 24 hours, but it also lowers our cancer risk.”

Timing Matters, Say Gastroenterologists

Experts advise that the walk is most beneficial if done within an hour after eating. “If you wait too long, you’ll miss the spike because it starts going up within minutes after you eat when the stomach starts to empty into the small intestine where all of the nutrients, including glucose, get absorbed into the blood,” said Dr. Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Washington Medical Center.

Dr. Alpa Patel of the American Cancer Society further encouraged the trend: “Going for a walk at an average to brisk pace can provide people with a tremendous health benefit. It’s free, easy, and can be done anywhere.” Meanwhile, Loretta DiPietro, professor of exercise and nutrition science at George Washington University, added, “You get more bang for the buck if you walk after meals.”

What began as a cheeky TikTok moment is now turning into a health movement, reminding people that sometimes, even a little laughter — and a short walk — can go a long way toward better health.