Abstract
BackgroundConclusions regarding bite count rates and body mass index (BMI) in free-living populations have primarily relied on self-report. The objective of this exploratory study was to compare the relationship between BMI and bite counts measured by a portable sensor called the Bite Counter in free-living populations and participants eating in residence.MethodsTwo previously conducted studies were analyzed for relationships between BMI and sensor evaluated bite count/min, and meal duration. Participants from the first study (N = 77) wore the bite counter in a free-living environment for a continuous period of 14 days. The second study (N = 214) collected bite count/min, meal duration, and total energy intake in participants who consumed one meal in a cafeteria. Linear regression was applied to examine relationships between BMI and bite count/min.ResultsThere was no significant correlation in the free-living participants average bite counts per second and BMI (R2 = 0.03, p = 0.14) and a significant negative correlation in the cafeteria participants (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.03) with higher bite count rates observed in lean versus obese participants. There was a significant correlation between average meal duration and BMI in the free-living participants (R2 = 0.08, p = 0.01). Total energy intake in the cafeteria participants was also significantly correlated to meal duration (R2 = 0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionsWith additional novel applications of the Bite Counter, insights into free-living eating behavior may provide avenues for future interventions that are sustainable for long term application.
Highlights
Obesity is the result of energy intake exceeding energy expenditures
What is already known about this subject? Observational data on eating rates measured by selfreport or through laboratory methods suggest that there is a relationship between higher eating rates and body mass index
Developed portable sensors that detect and provide real time ecologically valid data on eating behavior provide for the first time insight in free-living settings and detect whether results previously obtained in the laboratory or cafeteria setting translate to a free-living environment [2]
Summary
Obesity is the result of energy intake exceeding energy expenditures. Controlling energy intake often involves reviewing daily and meal specific eating patterns. Feedback data on body weight and total daily intake has been used to successfully modify weight behavior [1] These apps do not including timing and speed of eating behavior. Conclusions regarding bite count rates and body mass index (BMI) in free-living populations have primarily relied on self-report. The objective of this exploratory study was to compare the relationship between BMI and bite counts measured by a portable sensor called the Bite Counter in free-living populations and participants eating in residence. There is higher variance in bite count/min measured in a free-living environment compared to data collected in the cafeteria setting suggesting that extrapolation of eating behavior derived from laboratory settings to a free-living environment be viewed with caution.
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