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Yep, we’re telling you to shag yourself silly. And be sure to have a laugh while you’re at it. If you want to lose weight, that is. Kerry McCloskey, author of The Ultimate Sex Diet, claims that sex is one of the best forms of exercise available, and we’re not going to argue. A separate study on laughter found that having a good giggle makes your body respond as though you were exercising. How great is that?

The sexy slim-down

Simply put: sex is good for you. The benefits of an active sex life include a healthier heart, a longer lifespan, a better immune system and a lower rate of depression. Plus, half an hour in bed with your partner burns on average up to 250 calories (but if you’re particularly, well, vigorous at it, you could burn up to 350 calories). That’s about the same amount of energy you’d burn running, walking briskly or lifting weights for 30 minutes.

And, according to Forbes magazine, having sex twice a week over a year will zap the caloric equivalent of seven generous pasta dinners. What would you prefer? Hitting the gym with your iPod for company, or getting hot and sweaty with your partner under the sheets? No contest, in our opinion.

Have a laugh

Laughter researchers Dr Lee S. Berk and Dr Stanley Tan have found that laughter helps reduce stress and can improve your immune system. According to their most recent research, a good giggle is as good for you as regular exercise. It improves your mood, lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure, and raises good cholesterol.

Double whammy

So, if sex and laughter are just as good for you as exercise, why not combine the two? Renowned sex therapist Ruth Westheimer (Dr Ruth) advises in her book Sex for Dummies that having a sense of humour in the bedroom is very important. If you have a ‘positive and lighthearted attitude,’ she says, sex is more likely to be satisfying. And, unfortunately, it looks like we Brits could be happier in the bedroom.

Tags: Depression, healthy lifestyle, humour, sex, weight loss