(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, November 18, 2012 ) San Francisco, CA -- Watching 90 minutes of adrenaline-pumping terror could burn as much as 113 calories, according to this new study, reports The Telegraph.
This is close to the same amount as a 30-minute walk and equivalent to one chocolate bar. Scientists at Westminster measured the energy of 10 participants as they watched various frightening films, all while recording their heart rate, oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output.
The results indicated a number of calories used, especially in films featuring “moments designed to make viewers jump in terror,” causing heart rates to increase faster. Dr. Richard Mackenzie, a senior lecturer and specialist in cell metabolism and physiology at the University of Westminster, stated:
“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.”
Helen Cowley, the editor of the movie rental company LOVEFiLM, which also commissioned the study, suggested that people make more attempts at watching pulse-raising scenes. She 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.”
According to the University of Westminster study, the top 10 calorie-burning horror films are as follows:
