While festive celebrations often center around rich and indulgent foods, health experts warn that repeated overeating can quietly harm both the body and the brain, increasing the risk of serious long-term health problems.
Overeating during festivals and social gatherings is common, with items such as meat samosas, sausages, fried snacks, and potato-based foods frequently consumed in excess. While occasional indulgence is usually harmless, doctors caution that habitual overeating can have lasting consequences.
According to UK-based general practitioner and senior clinical advisor Dr Donald Grant, overeating has a direct impact on brain function and can reduce mental performance over time.
Dr Grant referred to a 2012 Harvard study, which found that excessive calorie intake may lower cognitive efficiency and increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. He explained that overeating can contribute to insulin resistance, a condition that interferes with the brain’s ability to function properly.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This causes blood sugar to remain elevated rather than staying within a healthy range.
Dr Grant noted that insulin resistance can develop even in people without diabetes. Over time, if the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to compensate, the condition may progress to type 2 diabetes.
Overeating affects more than just the brain. Dr Grant warned that consuming large quantities of food can lead to nausea, acidity, heartburn, bloating, and ongoing fatigue.
Excess calorie intake can disrupt digestion and significantly increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. It also negatively impacts blood sugar and cholesterol levels, raising the chances of high blood pressure and stroke.
Another major concern is the effect of overeating on gut health. Dr Grant explained that excessive food intake can disturb the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, leading to digestive issues such as diarrhea.
This imbalance in the gut microbiome may also contribute to skin problems, weakened immunity, depression, and anxiety. Persistent digestive discomfort can further interfere with sleep quality, affecting overall well-being.
Health experts advise moderation during celebrations, mindful eating, and maintaining balanced meals to protect both physical and mental health over the long term.
