Does Joey Chestnut throw up after competitive eating? Explained

Joey Chestnut is known for breaking records in competitive eating. Recently on September 2, 2024, he surpassed his own world record by consuming 83 hot dogs and buns within 10 minutes during the Unfinished Beef event against Takeru Kobayashi. The event streamed on Netflix marked a major victory over his rival but also raised questions about his physical well-being post-competition.

Common queries revolve around whether such extreme eating leads to vomiting which is a concern for many considering the sheer volume consumed in such short periods. Joey Chestnut having previously set a record with 76 hot dogs in 2021 has openly discussed his recovery process in interviews providing insight into the physical effects of his competitive eating endeavors.

His strategies for coping post-event include specific routines to manage the immediate physical impacts such as potential nausea and the overall strain on his body. He stated that vomiting is not a part of his recovery process post competition.

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What has Joey Chestnut said about throwing up after competitive eating?

Joey Chestnut (Photo by John Normile/Getty Images)

Joey Chestnut has often been quizzed about the effects of his extraordinary eating feats on his body, specifically regarding whether he vomits after competitions. Notably Chestnut has addressed these concerns directly in various interviews shedding light on what really happens once the competition ends.

In an interview with Insider on July 4, 2021, Joey Chestnut discussed his physical reactions following eating contests. He candidly shared,

“Most people relate to feeling really bloated and tired after Thanksgiving. It's kind of like that, except really, really bad.”

Joey Chestnut also spoke about the routine he follows to ensure his body copes with the sudden influx of food. Speaking to CNBC in July 2020 he explained that vomiting isn’t part of his recovery process. While speaking about his careful consideration of the health risks associated with regurgitation and his efforts to avoid it, Chestnut said,

“I don’t throw up after contests. I make sure of that. Throwing up is bad for the esophagus and can tear it up."

He further detailed his post-competition experience in an interview with TMZ in July 2017 talking about his strategic approach to recovery along with his mental toughness in facing the aftermath of his eating challenges.

“It’s about handling the discomfort. I have to stay disciplined and ride it out,” he said.

In terms of managing the immediate physical impact, Joey Chestnut described his post-contest symptoms during an interview with GQ Magazine in June 2019.

“I sweat like crazy, and everything feels slow and heavy. I try to sleep it off as much as I can because the first few hours are pretty rough,” he confessed providing a clear picture of the toll that competitive eating takes on his body in the hours following an event.

After winning the Unfinished Beef competition and setting a new world record of 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes, Joey reflected on his long-standing rivalry with Takeru Kobayashi. He acknowledged how Kobayashi's presence and their competitive history have been crucial motivators for pushing him to surpass the elusive 80 hot dogs mark.

Joey credited this relationship for driving him to achieve new heights and for enriching the competitive spirit that defines their careers. The dynamic as he noted has been integral in helping both athletes push their limits and achieve their best performances.

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You can watch Unfinished Beef on Netflix.