Hi there! I'm Dr. Sarah Jones, a board-certified endocrinologist with over 15 years of experience. My passion lies in helping people understand the complexities of their bodies, especially when it comes to hormones and metabolism.

It's fascinating how our bodies work, isn't it? Even a seemingly simple action like crying can spark curiosity about its physiological effects, such as calorie expenditure. While we often associate calorie burning with physical activities like running or lifting weights, the truth is that our bodies constantly burn calories even at rest, a process known as our basal metabolic rate.

So, does crying, an emotional response often accompanied by physical reactions like tear production and changes in breathing, burn calories? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Let's break it down. Crying, in itself, doesn't burn a significant number of calories. To understand why, we need to delve into the science behind calorie expenditure. Our bodies primarily burn calories through three main avenues:


1. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): This accounts for the majority of calories we burn and refers to the energy our bodies use to maintain essential functions like breathing, circulation, and cell regeneration.

2. Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): This represents the calories our bodies expend to digest, absorb, and process the food we eat.

3. Physical Activity: This encompasses all forms of movement, from walking and running to fidgeting and even activities like typing.

Crying, primarily an emotional response, doesn't fall neatly into any of these categories. While it's true that intense emotional states like stress can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can temporarily increase metabolism, the effect on calorie burning is generally minimal.

Think of it this way: the act of shedding tears itself requires minimal muscular effort. The energy required to produce tears is negligible in the grand scheme of your daily calorie expenditure. Similarly, while crying might lead to temporary changes in breathing patterns, these fluctuations are unlikely to significantly impact calorie burning.

However, it's important to acknowledge the potential indirect impact of crying on calorie expenditure. For instance, if crying is a response to stress, it could lead to changes in eating habits. Some individuals might experience a decrease in appetite during times of stress, while others might find comfort in food, potentially leading to increased calorie intake.

Moreover, if crying is associated with anxiety or depression, it could impact sleep patterns and energy levels. Poor sleep and low energy can indirectly affect calorie expenditure by influencing both physical activity levels and metabolic rate.

Therefore, while crying itself might not burn a substantial number of calories, it's essential to consider the potential indirect effects of the emotional state that triggered the crying. Focusing on healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional well-being, such as exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, is far more impactful on overall calorie expenditure and overall health than the act of crying itself.

Remember, our bodies are complex and interconnected systems. While it's intriguing to consider the calorie-burning potential of various activities, it's crucial to approach these questions with a holistic understanding of physiology and behavior.
read more >>

Emotional State. During emotionally stressful moments, it is not uncommon for a person's heart rate to elevate. When at rest, a pound of cardiac muscle burns about 8 1/2 calories an hour. When the heart rate elevates during emotional stress, the number of calories burned by the heart tissue may elevate slightly.read more >>