This past Saturday, my alma mater’s football team, the West Virginia University Mountaineer’s, ate dirt against the University of Maryland Terrapins, who easily pulled out 37 points. Not only was this loss unfortunate for WVU and the team’s standings, according to new research findings, it significantly impacted what I and other WVU fans ate following the loss.
Based on Chandon and Cornil’s findings, diehard Mountaineer fans were likely to ingest more saturated fat and calories than the Terrapin fans, (on average 16 percent more saturated fats and 10 percent more calories), saying yes to more fries and chips. 
The Terrapin fans, secure in their win, opted instead for spinach salads and fruit compotes; reducing their saturated fat intake by nine percent and normal calorie consumption by five percent.
When a fan’s football team wins, Chandon and Cornil found that fans engage in more long-term thinking, are future focused and excited about the next match. The satisfaction that comes with winning increases their ability to pass up unhealthy foods. However, when a fan’s team loses, much the same as when we are unhappy, fans seek comfort foods packed with sugar and saturated fats.
Finally, in cities where football is almost considered a religion (i.e., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Green Bay,) the percentage of saturated fat eaten by fans after a loss climbs to 28 percent, while the fans of the winning team reported eating 16 percent less saturated fat. Last Sunday, the Chicago Bears toppled the Steelers. 
Not to rub salt in a wound, but I grew up in Pittsburgh, surrounded by Steeler mania and once upon a time was totally invested in the team. Oh dear –that means I probably had a double whammy of comfort food last Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Given this new information, I am becoming a bit worried. What if neither team has a winning season? It could spell major trouble for my capacity to pass up fried chicken, buttered popcorn and double layered Oreo cookies.
Chandon and Cornil recommend miserable fans put their team’s defeat in perspective and think about other things in one’s life that are valuable. In addition, to following their suggestion, I installed a good luck charm in my front yard. 
Maybe that will do the trick for the Mountaineers, but what about those Steelers? I could be craving Cheetos until the Super Bowl.
See you on the PATH ahead.