When the Jaguars lose, Jacksonville fans find comfort the next day in junk food, according to a recent study.
Researchers found people living in cities who's NFL team loses on Sunday tend to eat more calories and fattty foods on the following Monday.
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Dr. Joe Rock did not take part in the study but is a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. He says when we're uncomfortable, like when our team loses, we turn to things that will easily comfort us.
"It doesn't work to fix anything, but at least it makes us feel better for a second," explained Rock. "And when we're feeling uncomfortable we're not thinking about what's going to happen in a month we're thinking about "I'm feeling crummy today and I want that to change."
Researchers looked at the eating habits of people in 30 U.S. cities with teams in the National Football League. They studied them for two seasons, comparing them to cities without NFL teams.
Results show after a loss people in cities whose team lost on Sunday eat 16% more saturated fat and 10% more calories. But people in cities who's team is victorious on Sunday eat healthier. They actually take in 9% less saturated fat and 5% fewer calories.
"I think what's happening here is that they eat more normally because they don't need to eat unhealthily. Instead of eating high-caloric, fattening, sweet food in order to feel better they can talk about the game and that makes them feel better," said Rock.
Researchers say fans should shift their focus to what matters most in their lives- like family. Rock also says to put together a game plan in the event of a loss.
"Just realize you're likely to do some things that aren't going to be great for you tomorrow if your team loses," Rock said. "Be aware of that and maybe jot down some alternatives. I realize I'm going to eat too much, maybe I won't pack some of the stuff, maybe I won't have some stuff at my desk tomorrow."