Watching a horror movie for 90 minutes can help you burn 150 calories, study finds
The study comprised ten individuals who watched ten different horror films while wearing equipment that tracked their heart rate, oxygen intake, and carbon dioxide output.
If you’re a scary movie freak, we have a good news for you! Your favourite hobby can assist you in losing weight. Yes, you read that right. According to researchers at the University of Westminster, a 90-minute horror film can help you burn roughly 150 calories, the same as a fast jog or a 30-minute walk.
Let’s explore how it works
The study comprised ten individuals who watched ten different horror films while wearing equipment that tracked their heart rate, oxygen intake, and carbon dioxide output. It was supported by the movie rental firm Lovefilm. The researchers discovered that watching a film increased the participants’ heart rate and metabolism, which resulted in more calories burnt.
The number of calories burnt varied based on the movie and the person being studied, but a 90-minute horror film burned 150 calories on average.
The top ten horror films in terms of calories burned were also ranked in the study.
The top three were:
- The Shining (184 calories)
- Jaws (161 calories)
- The Exorcist (158 calories)
Jump-scare moments were frequent in these flicks, raising spectators’ heart rates and adrenaline levels.
“It is this release of fast-acting adrenaline, produced during short bursts of intense stress (or in this case, brought on by fear) which is known to lower appetite, increase basal metabolic rate, and ultimately burn a higher level of calories,” Dr. Richard Mackenzie, senior lecturer and University of Westminster specialist in cell metabolism and physiology, stated.
Especially around Halloween, watching horror flicks can be a fun and simple method to burn calories. But this doesn’t mean you should stop doing your normal workouts and eating healthy. Watching scary films won’t help you keep a healthy weight and way of life. You still need to exercise and eat wisely.
Top 10 terrifying films that will make you sweat
1. The Shining: 184 calories
2. Jaws: 161 calories
3. The Exorcist: 158 calories
4. Alien: 152 calories
5. Saw: 133 calories
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street: 118 calories
7. Paranormal Activity: 111 calories
8. The Blair Witch Project: 105 calories
9. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 107 calories
10. [Rec]: 101 calories
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