No joke... giggling helps us stay slim

LONDON: Collapsing into giggles could burn as many calories as a brisk walk, according to scientists.

Even a sneaky snigger could give your muscles a workout, burning around 10 calories an hour, a study found.

Dr Helen Pilcher, a comedian who has a PhD in biology, reviewed research on the dietary effects of laughter.

Her results showed that the most intense form of laughing – defined as flat out, uncontrollable, roll-on-the-floor howling – was found to burn 120 calories an hour, similar to the amount burnt by walking at a moderate pace.

Hearty belly laughs can burn up to 100 calories an hour, while irrepressible chuckling can burn up to 20 calories an hour.

And a good laugh can help you to tone your belly – meaning you could be honing your abs while sitting on the sofa watching TV. Scientists have found one group of muscles, the internal obliques, are activated more by cackling than abdominal crunches.

Having a good guffaw also boosts blood flow, contributing to a cardiovascular workout that uses energy to burn calories.

Pilcher said laughing at comedies can contribute to weight loss “provided you don’t eat any pies while you watch”.

Timandra Harkness, thecofounder of writing group The Comedy Project, said: “Laughter is no replacement for going to the gym. But let’s face it, it’s a much more inviting prospect.” – Daily Mail