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How Do They Do It? It's Not Pretty

Want a permanently elastic, balloon-like stomach? Try competitive eating

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 3, 2008 3:43 PM CDT
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(Newser) – For every time you watched a scrawny guy chow dozens of hot dogs in 12 minutes and wondered where, exactly, he puts it, scientists may have your answer. As compared with us mere mortals, the Wall Street Journal reports, a professional’s stomach appears as a “giant balloon that looks like it has no limit.”

The study, which pitted a civilian of healthy appetite against a competitor, showed that while the former felt he might be sick after only 7 hot dogs (and no buns, even!), the professional eater ate 36 with no discernible effect but a pregnant-looking belly. Years of training had eliminated his concept of fullness—a change scientists speculate could be permanent.

Joey Chestnut, center left, and returning champion Takeru Kobayashi, center right, face off at the contest.
Joey Chestnut, center left, and returning champion Takeru Kobayashi, center right, face off at the contest.   (AP Photo)
Tim Janus, a Wall Street day trader and top-10 competitive eater.
Tim Janus, a Wall Street day trader and top-10 competitive eater.   (AP Photo)
Takeru Kobayashi poses for pictures after winning Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition in Coney Island in 2006.
Takeru Kobayashi poses for pictures after winning Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition in Coney Island in 2006.   (AP Photo)
A 30-year-old contestant known only by his moniker El Toro attacks the sandwiches reflected in his sunglasses during the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Eating Contest.
A 30-year-old contestant known only by his moniker "El Toro" attacks the sandwiches reflected in his sunglasses during the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Eating Contest.   (AP Photo)
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Training for the Nathan's hot dog contest
Village Voice

Takeru tries for a comeback on Coney Island
Associated Press

 
weird news • Takeru Kobayashi • Joey Chestnut • hot dogs • scientific study • stomach • competitive eating • digestion

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