Belt of fat theory
In competitive eating, the belt of fat theory posits that, paradoxically, those who have a higher body fat percentage are less well positioned to win contests. This is due to the eponymous "belt of fat" around the midsection, made up of fat subcutaneous and visceral, which constricts the rapid expansion of the stomach. Originally forwarded in 1998 by Major League Eating, the belt of fat theory has gone on to become widely accepted by competitive eaters.
While not widely studied, the theory has seen some degree of acceptance in scientific publications, including Popular Science and the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
