The question of whether crying can contribute to weight loss is common, linking a physiological and emotional human response to metabolism. Crying is a complex process involving the lacrimal system and emotional centers in the brain, resulting in tears. Investigating a connection between shedding tears and burning body fat requires separating the physical act of crying from the underlying emotional state that triggers it.
The Direct Energy Cost of Crying
The physical act of crying itself is not a meaningful way to expend energy for weight loss. The energy expenditure, which involves facial muscle contractions and changes in breathing, is minimal. On average, crying burns roughly 1.3 calories per minute, comparable to the metabolic rate of sitting quietly.
A long, intense sobbing session might slightly elevate the heart rate above resting levels, but the total calories burned remains extremely modest. For example, a 20-minute crying episode expends only about 26 more calories than simply sitting still. This minimal energy output confirms that crying cannot serve as a substitute for physical activity in a weight management strategy.
Hormonal Content of Emotional Tears
Tears produced during emotional distress are chemically distinct from basal or reflex tears. Emotional tears, often called “psychic tears,” contain a higher concentration of certain biochemicals. The theory that crying is a mechanism for “detoxification” stems from the presence of stress-related hormones in these tears.
Specific compounds include Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin, which are hormones linked to stress and emotional regulation. While some hypothesize this release helps the body achieve emotional balance, the amount of hormones excreted is negligible in terms of systemic metabolic impact, serving more as a psychological release than a true physiological clearance.
Stress, Cortisol, and Weight Regulation
While the tears themselves do not burn significant calories, the emotional stress that causes the crying has a profound, indirect effect on weight regulation. Chronic emotional distress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the sustained release of the steroid hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone.
When cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods, it disrupts several metabolic functions. This hormonal imbalance can promote fat storage, particularly visceral fat, which accumulates deep within the abdominal cavity around internal organs. Visceral fat is more metabolically harmful than subcutaneous fat and is strongly associated with increased health risks.
High cortisol also contributes to a slowed metabolism and can stimulate cravings for high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods. Furthermore, chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar and promoting fat accumulation. Therefore, managing the underlying stress that leads to frequent emotional crying is far more relevant to weight regulation than the act of crying itself.