Simulation shows shocking impact of what can happen to your body if you eat too much food

Don’t try this one at home

There’s been a point in most of our lives where we’ve overindulged and felt like our stomach was about to burst open at the seams.

But have you ever wondered if it’s theoretically possible to chow down on so much food that your stomach could explode?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering this, don’t worry, you’re not the only one as it turns out others have wondered the same. Most likely at about 5pm on Christmas Day after polishing off a second helping of roast dinner.

So, let’s investigate.

Ever overstretched on a big festive meal and felt like you’re about to burst? (Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

Is it possible for your stomach to burst from overeating?

If you’re currently eating or feeling a little bloated then look away now, as it turns out that it is possible to make your stomach burst from eating too much.

Maximum stomach capacity varies from person to person, with the average being around the 2 to 4 litres mark.

If you somehow pass the threshold and make it to five litres of food, you put yourself at risk of experiencing a stomach rupture, according to reports from Pathologists (via NBC).

YouTuber and popular hypothetical scenario creator Zack D Films even shared a simulation of what could potentially happen if your stomach ruptured in a pretty grim clip.

Watch below if you fancy it:

As the simulation notes, getting a perforation in the lining of your wall of your stomach is no laughing matter. Known medically as gastrointestinal perforation, this can cause the contents of your stomach – such as bacteria, partially digested food and stomach acid – to enter into your abdominal cavity and cause infection.

Which, if left untreated, can lead to serious illness such as peritonitis or even sepsis.

How rare is it for a person’s stomach to burst from overeating?

The good news is that while series, exploding your stomach from eating too much food is extremely rare and very unlikely to happen. No matter how uncomfortably bloated you may feel.

While it is theoretically possible to rupture your stomach wall, it’s not likely (Getty Stock Images)

According to Theresa Strong, director of research programs at the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, the idea of your stomach comically exploding out our abdomen isn’t accurate either.

“The imagery that comes to mind is quite sensational and not accurate, the stomach wall stretches to the point where there is necrosis and/or rupture,” she explained to Newsweek.

It’s also important to note that the human body has a number of defence mechanisms, which prevent you from eating so much that your stomach explodes, with an article from Business Insider stating that the body’s gag reflex will kick in and prevent you from eating more once your stomach is filled.

Which explains why you may sometimes feel nauseous after eating a particularly big meal.

So yes, rupturing your stomach is theoretically possible — but not likely.