Hardcore soccer fans are at greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and weight gain, a new study has found.
That’s because some of the most devoted fans of the sport – those who are “fused” with their teams – appear to experience dangerously high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol is commonly associated with stress.
For the study, by researchers at the University of Oxford, Brazilian fans watching their national team at the 2014 World Cup were tested.
Samples of their saliva were obtained before, during and after matches, including during their 7–1 demolition by Germany in the semi-final.
“Cortisol rocketed during live games for the fans who were highly fused to the team,” said Dr Martha Newson, researcher at the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford.
“It was particularly high during games where their team lost.
She added: “Fans who are strongly fused with their team – that is, have a strong sense of being ‘one’ with their team – experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match.
“Fans who are more casual supporters also experience stress, but not so extremely.”
There was little difference between male and female fans, the study found. Women, in fact, tended to be slightly more bonded to their team.
“This study has shown how people who are highly bonded to their football teams (and likely any other group identity) have a unique psycho-physiological profiles,” said Newson.
Newson added that the research could be used to identify which fans were most at risk of heart attacks.
“Clubs may be able to offer heart screenings or other health measures to highly committed fans who are at the greatest risk of experiencing increased stress during the game,” she said.
