This article explores the surprising connections between comedy, weight loss, mental well-being, and overall health, drawing from research and anecdotal evidence. It examines how laughter, a tool wielded by comedians like Earthquake, can influence physical and psychological states.
The Earthquake Factor: From Comedy Stage to Social Commentary
Earthquake (Nathaniel Stroman), a veteran comedian, has built a strong fan base through stand-up comedy, film and TV appearances, and comedy specials. He currently hosts the radio show "Quakeshouse" on Sirius XM Radio's Kevin Hart's Laugh Out Loud Radio Channel 96. Earthquake embodies the multifaceted nature of a modern comedian, extending his influence beyond the stage into social commentary through social media.
His approach to social media is about voicing what others are thinking, often with a simple and direct style. Earthquake's social media presence serves as a platform for social activism, using humor and commentary to engage with audiences on relevant issues. This exemplifies how comedians can leverage their platforms to influence and connect with people beyond entertainment.
Laughter as Medicine: The Science Behind the Smiles
Norman Cousins's 1976 report on the effects of laughter on pain relief sparked increased attention and research into the links between laughter and health and laughter and diseases. Studies suggest that a low frequency of laughter in daily life can increase the risk of death and needing care. Ikeda et al. reported an association between the frequency of laughter and hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A large prospective study revealed that enjoying life significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and that people who laugh less than daily have a higher risk of suffering heart disease than those who laugh daily.
Types of Laughter Interventions
Two main types of laughter interventions have shown success in reducing illness and symptoms:
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- Spontaneous Laughter Interventions: These involve watching comedy shows, clown performances, rakugo (a traditional Japanese comic story), and manzai (a Japanese comic dialog). Studies have found that watching comic videos can activate natural killer cells in type 2 diabetic patients, while watching rakugo can decrease IL-6 and improve symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Simulated Laughter Interventions: These involve laughter and exercise, such as laughter yoga. Laughter yoga has been reported to be effective in treating depression among the elderly, reducing stress before chemotherapy in cancer patients, and improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, among other mental and physical effects.
Dr. Madan Kataria started laughter yoga in 1995 in India, and it has spread globally. Laughter yoga combines laughter and exercise and is reportedly effective and highly sustainable, even with light exercise.
The Weight Loss Connection: A Comprehensive Laughter Program Study
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the physical and psychological effects of a comprehensive laughter program. The study involved 235 participants (37 men and 198 women) aged 43-79 years, who were randomized into laughter intervention and control groups to participate in a 12-week laughter program. Body weight, subjective stress, subjective well-being, and HRQOL were measured at baseline and after the 12-week follow-up.
Program Structure
The laughter program combined laughter yoga (simulated laughter) and rakugo (spontaneous laughter). It consisted of an approximately 30-minute lecture about laughter, health, and diseases, or an approximately 30-minute appreciation of rakugo by a professional performer, and an approximately 60-minute laughter yoga class by laughter yoga teachers. Participants attended the program 8 times in Fukushima and Osaka and 10 times in Okayama during the 12-week intervention period.
Key Findings
The laughter program significantly improved:
- Mean body weight (p = 0.008)
- BMI (p = 0.006)
- Subjective stress (p = 0.004)
- Subjective well-being (p = 0.002)
- Optimism (p = 0.03)
- Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores of HRQOL (p = 0.04)
A similar tendency occurred for the mean changes in BMI and subjective stress score by area, sex, and age. Moreover, PCS improved among participants who reduced BMI after the intervention.
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Metabolic Syndrome and Psychosocial Stress
Metabolic syndrome, a combination of (visceral) obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, can lead to cerebrovascular and heart diseases. While the relationship between metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise is well-known, psychosocial stresses, such as chronic work stress, can also affect its development.
Redefining Health: Beyond Weight Loss Programs
Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and the South Beach Diet have historically relied on calorie-counting models and celebrity endorsements. However, the weight loss landscape is evolving. Weight Watchers purchased Sequence for $106 million, indicating a shift towards incorporating weight loss drugs into their business model. Jenny Craig closed after 40 years, and the South Beach Diet halted its home delivery of frozen meals, reflecting the changing dynamics of the weight loss industry.
Nutritionists emphasize reframing overall health as the main goal, rather than just focusing on weight loss. As weight loss science and solutions change, there is a need to move beyond simply reducing appetite and consider more comprehensive approaches to health.
The Ozempic Era: Controversy and Considerations
Ozempic, a semiglutide drug licensed to treat diabetes, has gained popularity for its weight loss effects. Celebrities like Sharon Osborne have openly discussed their experiences with weight loss drugs. However, Ozempic is not without controversy. Some users have reported side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Questions remain about the long-term effects and risks associated with these drugs.
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