CHEWING RATE IS LINKED TO APPETITE AND HUNGER

Abstract

ObjectiveEnergy balance is vital for the prevention and treatment of the obesity. In this context, the controlling of appetite has a critical role for both energy balance and obesity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of chewing rate on appetite and hunger.MethodsThis study was conducted to the healthy adults (n=36) aged 18–28 years. The dietary manipulation started after a standard breakfast. Then, lunch was served ad libitum consisting of standard mini pizza with balanced macronutrient and micronutrient content. During the study, while the number and the duration of chewing (second) were recorded, visual analog scale (VAS) was filled by subjects at 0., 5., 10., 15., 20., 25., 30., 45., 60. minutes and at the end of the study. Chewing rate was calculated by dividing the number of chewing by duration of the chewing (chew/second). One day 24 h dietary recall was recorded. The manipulation period was repeated three times in two weeks intervals.ResultsThis study showed that, the higher chewing rate was associated with the feeling of hunger at 0th, 5th, 10th and 15th minutes significantly (p<0.05). In parallel, increased chewing rate was significantly related to the formation of the desire to eat more at the 5th and 10th minutes (p<0.05). Between chewing rate and energy intake was a positive correlation, but this was not significant. However, chewing rate did not affect the feeling of fullness and the opinion about the taste of meal.ConclusionThe results reveal that the higher chewing rate caused delay in suppression of appetite and hunger, especially at the first 15 minutes after the meal started. Therefore, decreasing chewing rate may be a strategy to develop the feeling of satiety, daily energy intake and thus controlling the obesity.