07-Tue-Jan-2025
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Author :
Dr. Qurat ul Ain
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BUMS
Yes, laughter can burn calories, though not significantly compared to traditional forms of exercise. Here's the science behind it:
How Laughter Burns Calories?
- Increased Heart Rate: When you laugh, your heart rate and oxygen consumption increase, which can slightly boost your metabolism, similar to light physical activity.
Engaging Core Muscles: Genuine belly laughter involves the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, providing a mild core workout.
- Energy Expenditure: Studies have shown that laughing for about 10-15 minutes can burn approximately 10-40 calories, depending on your weight and intensity of laughter.
Fun Comparison
To burn the calories in a medium-sized chocolate bar (around 200 calories), you’d need to laugh continuously for about an hour or more! While this isn't practical as a workout, it’s an enjoyable way to complement an active lifestyle.
Other Benefits of Laughter
- Stress Reduction: Laughter lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), which can indirectly help prevent weight gain caused by stress.
- Mood Boost: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce pain perception.
- Social Interaction: Laughing with others builds social bonds linked to better overall health and longevity.
Takeaway
While laughter won’t replace a gym session, it’s a great addition to your daily routine for overall wellness. So, go ahead and enjoy a funny movie or share a joke—you’re burning calories and boosting your health at the same time!
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