Want to burn some calories? Watch a horror movie!

Want to burn some calories?

A new research suggests that watching a scary movie could help burn as much as 113 calories, which is almost equivalent to the amount burned during a half-hour walk. The University of Westminster stud

Cult classic Jaws (161 calories) took second spot while the Exorcist (158 calories) came third. The research also found that movies with scenes that make viewers jump in terror are the best calorie-burners, as they cause heart rates to soar. ‘Each of the ten films tested set pulses racing, sparking an increase in the heart rate of the case studies,’ the paper quoted Dr Richard Mackenzie, senior lecturer and specialist in cell metabolism and physiology at the University of Westminster, as saying. ‘As the pulse quickens and blood pumps around the body faster, the body experiences a surge in adrenaline.’

‘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 the appetite, increase the Basal Metabolic Rate and ultimately burn a higher level of calories,’ he explained.

Helen Cowley, editor of the movie rental company LOVEFiLM – which commissioned the University of Westminster study – said: ‘We all know the feeling of wanting to hide behind the sofa or grab a pillow when watching scary or hair raising scenes, but this research suggests that maybe those seeking to burn some calories should keep their eyes on the screen.’

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.