Is it possible to overeat and die

In fact, there are now almost two-and-a-half times as many overweight and obese people on the planet as there are undernourished. And more people die from eating too much than from not eating enough. The reason we are so fat — and getting fatter — is pretty simple: We are consuming more calories than we are burning off. But in the modern age we have computers, Netflix, potato chips and sugary sodas. For Physicians. Cancer Moonshots. February What happens when you overeat.

Next Article. February : What happens when you overeat. So, what happens to your body when you overeat? Overeating causes the stomach to expand beyond its normal size to adjust to the large amount of food.

The expanded stomach pushes against other organs, making you uncomfortable. This discomfort can take the form of feeling tired, sluggish or drowsy.

Your clothes also may feel tight, too. Eating too much food requires your organs to work harder. They secrete extra hormones and enzymes to break the food down. To break down food, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid.

If you overeat, this acid may back up into the esophagus resulting in heartburn. Consuming too much food that is high in fat, like pizza and cheeseburgers, may make you more susceptible to heartburn.

Your stomach may also produce gas, leaving you with an uncomfortable full feeling. Your metabolism may speed up as it tries to burn off those extra calories. You may experience a temporary feeling of being hot, sweaty or even dizzy.

What are some ways to stop overeating? Learn serving sizes. Eat sensibly throughout the day. Pay attention to your portion sizes.

Avoid processed foods which can be easily overeaten. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. Can a person die from binge eating? School of Medicine, Family Medicine. Binge eating does kill people. Death in binge eaters is most commonly a result of associated vomiting, which causes large shifts in body chemistry that cause the heart to go into fatal rhythms.