Published on 06/28/2024 at 4:35 p.m.
Updated 06/28/2024 at 4:35 p.m.
Lecture 2 min.
in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
363 chicken wings, 68 hotdogs, 480 oysters, 73 burgers… These gargantuan quantities of food are gobbled up every year by thrill-seeking candidates. But as these extraordinary eating contests continue to become more popular, what are the risks involved? Answer.
While an Ariégeois won the world championship for the biggest duck eater on Tuesday May 21, this increasingly popular practice raises questions. What are the motivations of the candidates? And what are the risks to their health? Decryption.
Eating contests: a national sport
While lavish banquets where guests ate in large quantities were common in ancient Rome, it was not until the 19th century that eating contests really began to appear in the United States. At fairs and villages, contestants were challenged to eat as many pies or tarts as possible to celebrate the end of the harvest.
Today, this national “sport” has its own federation. More than 100 competitions are organized each year, all over the United States: Nathan’s in New York, Wing Bowl in Philadelphia or the Krystal Square Off hamburger contest in Tennessee.
While these food competitions raise a smile, and are also successful in France (competitions for the biggest raclette eater, the biggest fondue eater, etc.), they nevertheless raise many questions. In addition to the ethical problem that this type of competition raises, the health risks for the candidates are real.
Candidates who put their health at risk
On Slate, science journalist Jason Fagone, author of Horsemen of the Esophagus recounts the terrible damage caused by these excesses: jaw injuries, poisoning, deaths from suffocation…
“Participants are tempted to challenge the physical limits of their bodies“, he analyzes.
These competitions can also cause abnormal distension of the stomach, causing indigestion, nausea, vomiting (disqualifying during competitions), abdominal pain and perforation of the stomach.
In the long term, eating very large quantities can also promote the development of cholesterol, diabetes and morbid obesity.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
A personal challenge, which allows you to test your limits
Beyond the disastrous health consequences of these competitions, the biggest eater contest also raises psychological questions. What motivates the candidates? What pleasure(s) do they find in it?
“In my opinion, for many of them, the big eating competition represents a personal challenge. It’s a way of testing one’s physical and mental limits, a way of surpassing oneself. See how far we can go! The satisfaction of successfully eating a huge, extraordinary amount of food can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. says Amélie Boukhobza, psychologist.
Other pleasure(s) induced by competition: “The adrenaline rush associated with it, but also the desire to compete against others and emerge victorious can be extremely rewarding and exciting!“, adds the expert.
“Participating and above all winning can surely bring a certain notoriety. To a rather friendly and festive event! For some, it is an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and share experiences. I also imagine that there are rewards: money, trophies or others…“, she explains again.
Finally, the simple fact of sitting down (also) has something to do with it.
“Certainly for some, the simple pleasure of eating large quantities of food that they love is a source of satisfaction. The euphoria of victory and the pride of showing that you are the strongest have a lot to do with it: a rush of dopamine which is extremely pleasant. It’s the pleasure of success, of accomplishing a goal and the recognition of one’s peers.” notes the specialist in conclusion.
Arguments that would (almost) make us want to get started…
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