Also, known as the “axe kin diet” – when you watch a horror movie and burn calories equivalent to that of a thirty-minute walk – which essentially adds up to 113 calories (perhaps the chocolate bar you snacked on yesterday?)
This, according to the research done by the University of Westminster, who used ten of the favourite classics such as The Shining, Jaws and The Exorcist to monitor the heart rate of viewers. The jump-scare moments during the movies were the underlying cause of burning calories.
Apart from heart-rate, carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured and scientists found a significant increase in calorie use when watching the movies. The senior physiology and metabolism lecturer and specialist Dr Richard Mackenzie said:
“Each of the 10 films tested set pulses racing, sparking an increase in the heart rate of the case studies,”
He further added,
“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 LoveFilm, who commisioned the 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.”
Here are the Top 10 energy-burning scary movies:
10. [Rec] – 101 Calories
T
9. The Blair Witch Project – 105 Calories
8. Texas Chainsaw Massacre – 107 Calories
7. Paranormal Activity – 111 Calories
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street: 118 calories
5. Saw: 133 calories
4. Alien: 152 calories
3. The Exorcist – 158 calories
2. Jaws: 161 calories
1. The Shining: 184 calories.
