How many calories are burned when we’re scared?

It is difficult to imagine what the participants of the survival trials in the series “The Squid Game” experienced. They took risks, performed unthinkable stunts, framed other players – in general, did everything to survive. They were driven by adrenaline, which is responsible for the “hit or run” response. And remember the movie “Adrenaline”, where Jason Statham as the main character has to maintain a high level of this hormone in the blood? That is, adrenaline accompanies a person when he experiences fear: rushing at breakneck speed from a ski slope or jumping into the water from a great height. In addition to making the heart beat faster, adrenaline releases also contribute to weight loss – at least that’s what researchers believe. But what’s the real story?

nutritionist and founder of GetVegetable, a nutrition delivery service.

In tense moments, adrenaline gives the “go” command to burn fat and carbohydrates for energy.

Adrenaline is produced even while watching a horror movie. Scientists conducted an experiment and found that fear literally forces the body to expend calories. For example, 90 minutes of horror movie burn about 113 kcal, which is equivalent to a half-hour walk. Researchers explain this by the fact that frightening moments provoke the release of adrenaline, which accelerates metabolism and suppress appetite. After all, when we experience fear, it becomes not to eat.

Elena: More scientifically speaking, during fear, white fat turns into brown fat. The first type of adipose tissue performs a protective function, is responsible for energy reserves in the form of triglycerides and is deposited on the buttocks and waist. The second burns fat and releases heat, improves metabolism and “saves” from obesity by increasing the thermal burning of fat. This process provokes a surge of adrenaline and increases the activity of a protein that stimulates mitochondria to recycle fat molecules into heat.