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The kind of movie we watch has an indirect impact on the amount of weight we gain, a new research has proven.
According to the research, we eat up to 55% more when watching sad movies than when watching happy ones.
US researchers offered a group of office workers range of snacks while they watched weepy Love Story and Sweet Home Alabama, an upbeat, funny film.
Researcher Brian Wansink, of Cornell University, said: “After the movies were over and the tears were wiped away, those who had watched Love Story had eaten 36 per cent more popcorn”.
A second experiment involved collecting popcorn boxes from the floors and bins of cinemas and working out which films led to people finishing the carton.
According to MailOnline, those who watched the George Clooney tear-jerker Solaris munched their way through 55 per cent more popcorn than those who chuckled their way through My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
It is not just about weepy films though. A previous study by Professor Wansink showed action films also whet appetite.
He proved that those who watched the thriller The Island ate more than people sitting in front of a current affairs chat show.
Co-researcher, Aner Tal, said: “With action movies, people seem to eat to the pace of the movie.
“But movies can also generate emotional eating and people may eat to compensate for sadness”
So, if you are worried about your waistline, Professor Wansink advises: ‘Keep snacks out of arm’s reach. Ideally leave them in the kitchen and only bring to the couch what you intend to eat.’
Those who can’t help but snack might want to swap popcorn and sweets for cut up pieces of fruit and vegetables.