LOS ANGELES (KABC) — When his favorite team is losing, Houston’s Joe Nadi opts for hot wings.

“I’ll probably eat a lot more. I’ll probably eat a lot more,” he said.

“People make jokes about it and even make commercials about humans eating when they know they’re upset,” said Dr. David Creel, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Mental health experts say emotional eating is made easier because food is so readily available and it’s socially acceptable to eat.

“But it can also be quite serious, especially for people who struggle with excess weight,” Creel says.

Creel said stress eating, along with weight gain, can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. There are also psychological concerns. Some people may feel guilty or ashamed after overeating.

“I think a lot of that comes from controlling our emotions and managing stress better,” said Houston resident Shekinah Breland. “In doing so, we generally live healthier lives. We will now be able to send them.”

So what are some other ways to cope when you’re upset? Psychologists say that if you can’t resolve whatever problem you’re facing at the moment, talk to someone else. Please consider it. Breland is following that advice.

“Call a friend. Talk to someone. And make sure you have an accountability partner. Someone who says, ‘Hey, are you emotionally eating right now?’ And you. They say, ‘Maybe. Let’s do something else. Let’s get out of the house,”’ Breland said.

Experts say you can practice deep breathing, train in therapy, or even train in real life.

“Participate in more activities and sports,” Nnadi says.

It’s also important not to blame yourself if you overeat due to stress.

“When we’re able to show ourselves a little grace and self-respect, we say, ‘Hey, I’m not happy that I did this, but there are some things that could have turned out that way. “We can look at the factors and change that in the future,” Creel said.