Myth: Eating speed does not increase one’s risk for obesity.
Truth: This is false.
With the prevalence of obesity rising, it is no surprise that eating speed has been associated with obesity. Specifically, obese children have been seen to consume foods quicker than their non-obese colleagues.
The Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes cohort found that overweight and obese children ate their food at a faster rate by taking larger bites and chewing less in between bites. Furthermore, these children also had higher motivations for food consumption and were less sensitive to feelings of fullness. This study provides evidence of how eating rates influence a child’s body composition in the future.
Learn more about how eating speed increases one’s risk for obesity by clicking here.
Reference
- Fogel A, Goh AT, Fries LR, et al. Faster eating rates are associated with higher energy intakes during an ad libitum meal, higher BMI and greater adiposity among 4·5-year-old children: results from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort. Br J Nutr. 2017;117(7):1042-1051. doi:10.1017/S0007114517000848
