Research from the University of Westminster shows that watching horror films can cause the body to burn calories.

The sudden fright / jump-scare scenes are the most effective and getting the body to respond as they increase the heart rate. Doctor Richard Macjenzie, who specialises in the study of cell metabolism at the university told The Guardian that;

“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.”

This means that some horror movies are better at others when it comes to burning calories. As it happens The University of Westminster study looked at a number of movies and produced a top-ten.

The top 10 calorie burning horror films

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

In Pure Spirit

Have you seen any of those scary movies? Which others would you like to see the University test or will you be watching any this Halloween?