Get Out From Behind That Cushion! Research Shows Watching A Horror Flick Burns As Many Calories As A Brisk Walk

Don’t feel guilty cosying up on the couch to watch some scary flicks this week because, believe it or not, you’re probably burning as many calories as if you’d decided to go for a brisk walk.

We’re not pulling your leg, new research has revealed that watching a horror film could burn off a whole bar of chocolate.

Horror film fanatics who put themselves through 90 minutes of adrenaline-pumping terror can use up as much as 113 calories, close to the amount burned during a half an hour walk and the equivalent in calories to a chocolate bar.

If it’s some calorie-burning film-watching you’ll choose to enjoy in the next few nights, rent out The Shining. The 1980 psychological thriller topped the list of calorie-burners, with the average viewer using up a whopping 184 calories.

Jaws was just pipped to the post, with viewers burning on average 161 calories, and The Exorcist came in third place, with 158 calories.

The University of Westminster study measured the total energy expenditure of ten different people as they watched a selection of frightening movies.

Scientists recorded their heart rate, oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output and discovered the number of calories used increased by on average a third during the films.

Get some more popcorn... we didn't realise watching these films was doing us a health favour!

The research also revealed films featuring moments designed to make viewers jump in terror are the best calorie-burners, as they cause heart rates to soar. From our own experiences hiding behind the cushion, we can understand how Jack Nicholson’s horror flick made it to top spot.

Dr Richard Mackenzie, senior lecturer at the University of Westminster, told the Daily Telegraph: “Each of the ten films tested set pulses racing, sparking an increase in the heart rate of the case studies.

“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, 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.”

The top 10 calorie-burning frightening films were:

1. The Shining: 184 calories

2. Jaws: 161 calories

3. The Exorcist: 158 calories

4. Alien: 152 calories

5. Saw: 133 calories

6. A Nightmare on Elm Street: 118 calories

7. Paranormal Activity: 111 calories

8. The Blair Witch Project: 105 calories

9. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 107 calories

10. [Rec]: 101 calories