The Relationships of Chewing Frequency, Eating Rates, and Food Consumption with the Body Mass Index and Gender of College Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined chewing frequency, eating rates, and food consumption volume according to the body mass index of male and female college students. Twenty-five male college students were divided into a normal weight male group (＜23 body mass index, n=14) and an obese male group (≥23 body mass index, n=11). Twenty-five female college students were divided into a normal weight female group (＜23 body mass index, n=21) and an obese female group (≥23 body mass index, n=4). Subjects were provided with abundant fried rice and allowed to consume it at their own pace. Chewing frequency, total mealtime, rate of eating, consumption volume, calorie intake, and the amount of one bite were measured. There were no significant differences in chewing frequency, total mealtime, rate of eating, consumption volume, calorie intake, and the amount of one bite between the normal and obese male groups. There were also no significant differences in chewing frequency, consumption volume, calorie intake, and the amount of one bite between the normal and obese female groups. However, the obese female group had a significantly shorter mealtime and significantly higher eating rate compared with the normal group. Thus, our study suggests that females who eat a meal for a longer time may reduce their food intake, consequently inducing body weight loss.