However, too much acid or an imbalance between acidity levels in the stomach can be harmful. Stomach acid may also play a role in obesity by breaking down fats into smaller molecules that are easier to absorb by the body. When you eat foods with high amounts of fat, they will increase the amount of acid produced by your stomach. This is because fats are stored by the body as oil, which is acidified nature. Thus, eating fatty foods increases your risk of developing heartburn or gastritis (both of which are related to an overproduction of acid). However, this doesn't mean that you should avoid eating fats. Fats are needed for health reasons; here are some examples: Fats help carry nutrients in your blood stream, keep other substances from being absorbed by your intestine, help make up your brain cells, and protect your heart and other organs. The type of fat you eat affects how much acid you produce. For example, eating saturated fats like those found in meats, eggs, and dairy products may increase the amount of acid in your body.