I think more people would lose weight than gain it whilst walking a camino. You are using so many calories each day that it is difficult to replace them all with food. Most years I have started my camino several kilos over weight and generally lose around 6-8 kilos.

While walking the Camino de Santiago (the "El Camino") involves walking 15 to 20 miles a day, weight loss is not a guarantee for every pilgrim. On average, a person burns between 3,000 and 4,000 calories per day while trekking with a pack, which should theoretically lead to significant weight loss. However, many walkers find that their appetite increases dramatically, and the "Pilgrim's Menu"—which often consists of heavy, three-course meals with bread, wine, and dessert—can easily offset the calories burned. Many 2026 pilgrims report that while the "scale" might not move much, they experience a significant body recomposition, losing fat and gaining dense muscle in their legs and core. If your goal is weight loss, you must be disciplined about the "pastries and wine" culture of the Spanish trail; however, most find that the sheer physical toll of 30+ days of walking results in a slimmer, more "toned" physique by the time they reach the Cathedral in Santiago.