'Laughter the best therapy for obesity'

London, Jan 12 (ANI): Forget gym or dieting and tune into your favourite comedy shows to shed those extra pounds, researchers have suggested.

The researchers have claimed that an hour's laughter can burn up to 100-120 calories and boost the energy a person uses by up to 20 percent.

That is the equivalent of vacuuming for 40 minutes, walking for 15-20 minutes or doing 18-27 minutes of weightlifting.

This means that a top sitcom could help an individual lose 1-2lb a month.

"Laughter gets the heart beating faster and boosts blood flow," the Daily Star quoted Dr Helen Pilcher, who led the research for comedy channel G.O.L.D, as saying

"As you giggle and gasp for air, you breathe in more oxygen.

"The chest rises and falls and abdominal muscles get a good workout," Pilcher added. (ANI)