Your favourite films are (probably) making you fat

Today in why everything is secretly fattening, a study has found film-goers who watch tearjerkers will eat more than those watching comedies.

Researchers from Cornell University discovered people who watch sad films eat 28 per cent to 55 per cent more popcorn both in the lab (with Love Story viewers eating more than those watching Sweet Home Alabama) and in the actual cinema.

The study, published in a letter to JAMA-Internal Medicine, was replicated in the field. Researchers analysed discarded popcorn in seven cities across America over a Thanksgiving weekend - and found those watching Solaris ate an average of 55 per cent more popcorn than those watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Co-author Aner Tal says more upsetting films can "generate emotional eating" with people consuming more food to "compensate for sadness".

If you love sad films, do not despair. Lead author Professor Brian Wansink said there is a way to cheat the system, noting: "Sad movies also lead people to eat more of any healthy food that’s in front of them."

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