The idea that a simple, enjoyable activity like laughing could contribute to energy expenditure is a common curiosity. Laughter, often viewed merely as an emotional response, is actually a highly complex physiological event that engages numerous bodily systems. It is an involuntary, rhythmic, and vocalized act of exhalation that represents a significant departure from the body’s resting state. This physical effort requires the body to consume more energy, leading to a measurable, albeit modest, caloric burn.
How Many Calories Does Laughter Actually Burn?
Scientific studies have quantified the energy expenditure of genuine, voiced laughter, finding that the caloric burn is quite modest. Laughter causes an increase in energy expenditure that is approximately 10% to 20% above a person’s resting metabolic rate. This increase is highly dependent on the duration and intensity of the laugh itself.
Researchers found that 10 to 15 minutes of genuine laughter per day could increase total daily energy expenditure by an estimated 10 to 40 calories. The specific number of calories burned varies widely because a light chuckle consumes far less energy than a deep, hearty belly laugh. While the effect is small, it demonstrates that laughter contributes to Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which is the energy burned by activities other than dedicated exercise.
The Physiology of a Good Laugh
The caloric expenditure from laughter is a direct result of the intense physical changes that occur throughout the body. A hearty laugh is a total-body experience that involves the rapid, repeated contraction and relaxation of various muscle groups. The primary mechanism of a belly laugh is the vigorous engagement of the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles, particularly the internal obliques.
The respiratory system is also significantly affected, as the epiglottis partially closes the larynx, creating an irregular pattern of air intake and forced exhalation. This muscular effort and breathing disruption cause the heart rate to increase, sometimes by as much as 10 to 20 percent above resting levels, which increases oxygen consumption. This temporary spike in heart rate and oxygen demand accounts for the measurable energy cost.
Laughter vs. Conventional Exercise
While laughter does burn calories, it is not a substitute for structured physical activity in a weight management plan. A slow, moderate-paced walk for 15 minutes will typically burn 50 to 60 calories for an average adult, which is significantly more than the 10 to 40 calories burned by a similar duration of laughter. Laughter is categorized as a light activity, often registering around 2 metabolic equivalents (METs), which is similar to the effort of standing or very slow walking.
Only the most intense, uncontrollable form of howling laughter registers an energy expenditure comparable to that of a brisk walk, burning up to 120 calories per hour. The energy benefit of laughter is best viewed as a minor supplement to daily caloric burn, rather than a viable tool for creating a large energy deficit.
Health Benefits Beyond Metabolism
The value of laughter extends far beyond its modest caloric burn, offering profound systemic health advantages. Laughter is a powerful mechanism for reducing the physiological effects of stress by decreasing the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine. This hormonal reduction contributes to an overall feeling of relaxation that can last for up to 45 minutes following a hearty laugh.
The process of laughing triggers the release of neuropeptides and endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-lifting chemicals. Laughter also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system by improving the function of blood vessels and promoting better blood flow. Furthermore, laughter appears to boost the immune system by increasing infection-fighting antibodies and enhancing the effectiveness of T-cells.