After Nathan's Speed-Eating Contest: Digestive Dangers & Big Rewards

Behind the scenes, competitive speed-eaters push their bodies to the limits.Photo by(The author)

Nathan’s annual hot-dog-eating contest has become a staple of NYC's 4th of July

New York City — If the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show wins the yearly gold medal, the silver medal goes to Nathan's famous hot-dog-eating contest.

With Joey Chestnut — the "Michael Jordan of hot-dog eating" sitting this one out — Chicago’s Patrick Bertoletti wolfed down 58 franks and buns.

Yet after holding up his title for having slammed down a week's worth of food, in only 10 minutes, some wonder: What's the champion's digestive system have to say about this?

According to a study, participating in speed-eating contests carries the following risks:

• Chronic nausea
• Food's movement slowed in the stomach (called 'gastroparesis')
• Vomiting
• A hole in the digestive tract ( called 'gastric perforation')
• A tear in the lining of the lower esophagus (called 'a Mallory-Weiss tear')
• Rupturing of the esophageal wall (called 'Boerhaave syndrome')
• Morbid obesity, due to loss of the ability to feel full or satisfied while eating
• Major damage to stomach muscles

Health risks aside, with Chestnut being paid $200,000 to appear in Nathan’s contest last year and offered a $1.2 million, four-year contract going forward, expect to see more contestants risk it all for the big prize.