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.
The study comprised 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 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.
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.