Which Burns more Calories-per-Second: Sneezing, Laughing, or Coughing?

Which Burns more Calories-per-Second: Sneezing, Laughing, or Coughing?

The exact number of calories burned per second during sneezing, laughing, or coughing is difficult to determine precisely. However, these actions are generally considered to have a minimal impact on calorie burning. Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle are more effective for burning calories and achieving fitness goals.

Here’s a table summarizing the estimated calorie burn per second for sneezing, laughing, and coughing:

ActionCalories Burned per Second (approximate)
SneezingMinimal, negligible calorie burn
LaughingLow to moderate calorie burn
CoughingLow to moderate calorie burn

While I don’t have access to specific blog posts or real-time data, I can provide some general information about the calorie-burning potential of sneezing, laughing, and coughing.

  1. Sneezing: Sneezing is a reflex action that occurs when the nasal passages are irritated. It is a brief and involuntary process that expels air forcefully through the nose and mouth. While sneezing can temporarily increase your heart rate and metabolic activity, it doesn’t burn a significant number of calories. The energy expenditure associated with sneezing is relatively minimal and would not contribute significantly to overall calorie burning.
  2. Laughing: Laughing, particularly when it involves deep belly laughter, can have a slightly higher impact on calorie burning compared to sneezing. Similar to sneezing, laughing can increase heart rate and metabolic activity, albeit to a greater extent. While the exact calorie burn per second during laughter can vary depending on factors such as intensity and duration, it is generally considered to be modest.
  3. Coughing: Coughing is a reflex action that helps clear the airways by expelling unwanted substances or irritants. Like sneezing and laughing, coughing can temporarily elevate heart rate and metabolic activity. However, similar to sneezing, the calorie burn during coughing is relatively low.

It’s important to note that the actual calorie burn during these actions can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and overall health. Additionally, the duration and intensity of each action can influence the calorie burn to some extent. However, in terms of calorie burning potential, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle would be more effective for overall calorie expenditure and fitness goals.

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If you’re looking for specific details or more accurate information on this topic, I would recommend consulting reputable health and fitness resources, scientific studies, or consulting with a healthcare professional.

Here’s a table showcasing various fun activities and the approximate number of calories they can burn per hour for a person weighing around 155 pounds (70 kilograms):

ActivityCalories Burned per Hour
Running (8 mph)861
Jumping Rope861
Swimming (vigorous)704
Cycling (14-15.9 mph)590
Basketball (competitive)590
Soccer (competitive)590
Rock Climbing590
Boxing (sparring)531
Dancing (vigorous)446
Hiking (uphill)446

Please note that the number of calories burned can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, intensity, and duration of the activity. This table is provided as a general reference and may not be applicable to everyone.

Do you burn calories from coughing?


Yes, you do burn calories when you cough. Coughing is a reflex action that helps to clear your airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign objects. The physical act of coughing involves the contraction of various muscles in your chest, abdomen, and throat. These muscle contractions require energy, which is provided by the body in the form of calories.

While the number of calories burned during a coughing episode is relatively small, it does contribute to your overall energy expenditure. The exact amount of calories burned can vary depending on factors such as the intensity and duration of the coughing, as well as individual differences in metabolism.

It’s important to note that coughing is generally not a significant calorie-burning activity compared to exercise or other physical activities. If you’re looking to burn calories or maintain a healthy weight, it’s more effective to engage in regular exercise and follow a balanced diet.

How many calories do you burn per laugh?


While laughter can provide various physiological and psychological benefits, determining the exact number of calories burned per laugh is challenging. Research on the topic is limited, and the calorie expenditure associated with laughing can vary based on multiple factors such as the intensity and duration of laughter, an individual’s metabolism, and their body composition.

However, a widely circulated estimate suggests that laughing for around 10 to 15 minutes could burn approximately 10 to 40 calories. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and the actual calorie expenditure may vary significantly from person to person.

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It’s worth noting that laughter alone is not a reliable method for weight loss or calorie burning. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are more effective strategies for managing weight and overall well-being.

What fun activity burns the most calories?

High-intensity activities like jumping rope, running, and swimming tend to burn the most calories per minute. However, the “fun” factor can vary for individuals. Activities such as competitive sports (e.g., basketball, soccer), martial arts, and group fitness classes can also be enjoyable and effective calorie-burning options.

Engaging in physical activities can be both enjoyable and beneficial for burning calories. While the number of calories burned can vary depending on factors such as body weight, intensity, and duration of the activity, here are some fun activities that typically result in significant calorie expenditure:

  1. Running: Running is a high-impact cardiovascular exercise that can burn a substantial number of calories. Whether you prefer outdoor running or using a treadmill, it is an effective way to burn calories while enjoying the outdoors or listening to music.
  2. Swimming: Swimming is a full-body workout that engages various muscle groups. It provides resistance and burns calories without placing excessive stress on the joints. Different swimming strokes, such as freestyle, breaststroke, or butterfly, can contribute to calorie burning.
  3. Cycling: Cycling is an enjoyable outdoor activity that can be done individually or in a group. It targets the leg muscles and can be adapted to various intensities, such as leisurely rides or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions.
  4. Jumping rope: Jumping rope is a fun and portable activity that can be done virtually anywhere. It offers a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular fitness, and burns a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time.
  5. Dance workouts: Engaging in dance-based workouts, such as Zumba, hip-hop dance, or aerobics classes, can be both entertaining and calorie-burning. These activities combine music, choreography, and cardiovascular exercise to provide an enjoyable workout experience.

Remember, the most effective activity is the one you enjoy and can sustain over time. Consistency and regularity are key to achieving long-term fitness goals. Additionally, incorporating a combination of different activities into your routine can help engage various muscle groups and prevent boredom.

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