If you're a fan of horror movies, maybe it's time to go to the movies and meet Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the movie "It". The reason, in addition to making goosebumps, watching a horror movie was also burned calories.
Maybe this sounds like a joke. But it turns out there is research that shows that if you watch a horror movie, you can lose weight a little - do not while snacking on popcorn of course.
In 2012, a report published on Telegraph.co.uk explains the facts. According to the study, people who watch adrenaline-like movies like horror movies, about 90 minutes, can burn 113 calories, similar to walking for 1 hour, and the calories contained in a piece of chocolate.
Researchers at the University of Wesminster conducted a study involving 10 different people to watch a horror movie of choice. The researchers recorded heartbeats, inhaled oxygen, and carbon dioxide released, and found that the number of calories burned increased in those three points during the movie.
The research also reveals that the film that made the audience jumped from its seat because of the terror that is shown, is the best calorie burner, because it causes their heartbeat faster.
Dr. Richard Mackenzie, senior lecturer and specialist in cell metabolism and physiology at the University of Westminster, said that every 10 films tested made a rapid heart beat. As the degup gets faster and blood pumps around the body faster, the body will experience adrenaline pressure.
"The body will release a fast-acting adrenaline, produced in short shock due to intense stress (in this case, out of fear). The effect is to decrease appetite, increase basal metabolic rate, and ultimately burn calories at the highest level, "said Richard.
A film editor for LOVEFiLM movie rental company Helen Cowley, who was also involved in a study by researchers at the University of Westminster, said many people tend to close their eyes, hide behind pillows, or hug bolsters while distracting their eyes from seeing scary scenes.
But this study suggests that by forcing yourself to see the scary scenes in the film, you can actually burn more calories.
"So you better keep your eyes open while watching," Helen said as quoted by the Telegraph.
Based on these studies there are 10 best films that can reduce many calories, more than 100, namely:
The Shining: 184 calories
Jaws: 161 calories
The Exorcist: 158 calories
Alien: 152 calories
Saw: 133 calories
A Nightmare on Elm Street: 118 calories
Paranormal Activity: 111 calories
The Blair Witch Project: 105 calories
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: 107 calories
[Rec]: 101 calories
Unfortunately when the research was done, the movie "It" is made based on Stephen King novel has not been produced. What is clear if your heart beat fast while watching it, your body is burning calories.