Some of the world's top athletes are set to showcase their peak physical condition as the World Cup kicks off on June 11. Players can burn over 1,500 calories per game and run 10 kilometers. But what impact does the beautiful game have on the health and fitness of fans? Here, James Moore presents a supporter's health guide to the tournament, broken down by body part.
Your Head
Football can stir emotions, but research indicates that bonding with other fans can reduce loneliness and boost self-esteem. A Japanese study found that watching live sport 'fosters a sense of community and belonging,' while a Smart Energy GB poll revealed that fans see it as a good environment to share worries. In one survey, half of supporters said watching sport improved their mental health, and the feel-good factor from a win can last up to 24 hours after the match. However, a University of Sussex study found that the psychological pain of a defeat is more than double the joy of winning. Additionally, Nottingham Trent University scientists noted that avid fantasy football players are more prone to low mood and anxiety.
Your Heart
The emotional rollercoaster of watching a match can accelerate heart rate, and studies confirm that stress can strain the heart. A German study found that men's risk of a heart attack or cardiovascular issue triples on days when the home team plays. Another study by Oxford University tested fans' saliva and found that cortisol levels spiked when their team lost, potentially raising blood pressure. Conversely, research from the University of Leeds suggests that an increased heart rate can act as a workout, and watching a win may help lower blood pressure.
Your Belly
Could the World Cup harm your waistline? A 2010 study found that fans typically consume four cans of beer and 2,000 calories in snacks while watching a match on TV. Another survey indicated an extra 340 calories per game, leading to a five-pound weight gain over the tournament. The outcome matters: a 2013 study showed that losing fans increased their post-game calorie intake by 10%, while winners consumed 5% fewer. On the bright side, 59% of fans feel they've had a workout from cheering, and Loughborough University research found that watching a 90-minute match burns an average of 540 calories—more than a Big Mac and equivalent to an hour's run.
Your Privates
Sex is beneficial for health, boosting heart health and well-being. How does football affect libido? A survey by Swedish company Lelo found that a third of fans say a win improves their sex life due to euphoria, with many comparing a goal to an orgasm. Some 16% have even used halftime for a quickie. However, a study in the European Journal of Population found that a shocking defeat—common for England and Scotland fans—can reduce bedroom activity, leading to lower birth rates nine months later.
Your Legs
Feeling inspired? A kickabout with friends to recreate World Cup moments can burn off extra calories from food and beer. An hour of play burns 400 calories, equivalent to a couple of pints.
