Does Crying Really Burn Calories? The Science Explained

Can Crying Really Burn Calories?

Many people have heard the idea that having a good cry can actually burn calories. But is there any truth to the claim that turning on the waterworks could help you lose weight?

Research suggests that crying may have modest calorie-burning potential. However, many factors influence just how many calories different activities actually burn for each person.

The Science Behind Crying and Calories

When we get emotional and start shedding some tears, our body goes through physical reactions. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol get released into the bloodstream. Our pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rates rise.

This increased physiological activity requires more energy expenditure. One widely-cited study estimated that crying hard for just a few minutes may burn an extra 10-15 calories on average.

However, estimates do vary. Another looked at different stress states and calculated up to 75 calories burned per hour of crying.

How That Compares to Other Activities

To put that in perspective, here is how crying stacks up against other common daily activities:

• Laughing - 40 to 100 calories per hour
• Reading - 50 to 100 calories per hour
• Typing - 70 to 150 calories per hour
• Walking a 15 minute mile pace - 372 calories per hour
• Jogging a 10 minute mile pace - 672 calories per hour

As you can see, crying falls on the very low end of the spectrum for calorie-burning potential. Shedding tears can't come close to more vigorous exercises like running when it comes to weight loss.

Other Health Benefits

While the direct calorie burn may be small, having a good cry could provide other mental and physical perks. Studies show crying can help:

• Relieve stress
• Release toxins and irritants from the body
• Reduce tension headaches
• Regulate breathing and heart rate
• Boost mood through endorphin and dopamine release

In moderation, crying is considered a healthy emotional response. So don't hold back those tears for potential minor calorie loss alone.

Factors That Influence Calories Burned Crying

Remember that calories burned varies widely from person to person with all activities. Several key factors impact just how many calories your body uses during a good cry.

Age

Younger people tend to burn calories faster than older adults while at rest and during exercise. So children and teenagers may see slightly more calorie burn from crying compared to adults.

Biological Sex

Some research indicates that men may experience up to a 10% greater boost in resting metabolic rate during crying episodes compared to women. Male tear production also increases testosterone.

However, women tend to report crying more often than men overall. More frequent crying sessions could balance out intensity differences.

Fitness Level

People who exercise regularly tend to burn more calories with all types of activities. Their bodies are efficient, needing extra energy even for small reactions like stress-induced tears.

Muscle Mass

Having more fat free muscle mass equals a higher daily calorie need even while at rest. So muscular men and women will burn slightly more calories during a crying session.

However, increased muscle doesn't directly contribute many additional calories. Fat mass influences expenditure far more pound for pound.

Body Size

Larger, taller people burn more calories at rest and during physical activities than smaller people. Their greater body mass requires more overall energy.

So for two people crying for the same duration, the larger person may burn say 15 calories while the smaller one uses only 10.

5 Tips to Boost Calories Burned Crying

While crying isn't an effective weight loss strategy, you can take some steps to maximize potential energy used for those unavoidable emotional moments:

1. Get Plenty of Sleep

Being well-rested helps coordinate helpful stress hormone responses tied to calorie burn.Aim for at least 7 hours per night.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water helps energize muscles and transport nutrients for better energy expenditure. It also prevents dehydration from fluid loss while crying.

3. Eat Nutritious Foods

Nutrient-dense whole grains, produce, legumes, lean proteins and healthy fats better fuel an efficient metabolism.

4. Incorporate Exercise

Regular aerobic and strength training makes your body more effective at burning calories with any activity, even emotional tears.

5. Take Deep Breaths

Conscious deeper inhales and exhales help maximize oxygen consumption tied to calorie usage as you sob.

While crying isn't going to replace real exercise, understanding the minor calorie burn can motivate you to view those cathartic tears in a more positive light!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.