Differences in eating behaviors and masticatory performances by gender and obesity status

作者：Park Soojin^*; Shin Weon Sun

来源：Physiology & Behavior, 2015, 138: 69-74.

DOI：10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.001

• Eating rate
• Gender differences
• Masticatory performance
• Obesity
• Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire

This study aimed to determine whether there might be differences in masticatory performance and eating behaviors by gender and obesity status. Forty eight (24 males; 24 females) non-obese and pre-obese young adults were matched for age, gender, and dental health. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and chewing performance while eating 152 g of boiled rice was measured using electromyography (EMG). Compared with non-obese participants, pre-obese participants had significantly higher levels of disinhibition according to the TFEQ (P < 0.05 for males; P < 0.01 for females). Microstructures of chewing performance were significantly different by gender but not by obesity status. Males had a greater bite size (P < 0.05), greater chewing power (P < 0.001) and a faster eating rate (P < 0.05) than females. Females habitually chewed more (P < 0.05) and had a longer meal duration (P < 0.01) than males. Eating rate was positively associated with disinhibition (r = 0.490, P < 0.05) score in males. Bite size (r = -0.449, P < 0.05 for non-obese) and chewing power (r = -0.581, P < 0.01 for non-obese and r = -0.446, P < 0.05 for pre-obese) were negatively associated with disinhibition score. Results suggest that the effects of gender and, in part, obesity on eating responses may be explained as chewing performance. Therefore, gender-specific interventions and counseling aimed at slowing the rate of ingestion could be promising behavioral treatments for obese persons.

• 出版日期2015-1