Study shows pizza is eaten faster than chopstick-based meals

Eating speed is a crucial factor that can impact our overall health, particularly when it comes to obesity and related health risks. A recent study conducted by scientists at Fujita Health University has shed light on how the type of food we consume can influence our eating speed, regardless of the sequence in which the food is eaten.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 41 adult participants who were asked to consume different meals over a 12-week period. The meals included a slice of pizza eaten by hand and a hamburger steak bento with broccoli and rice, with participants instructed to eat the vegetables either first or last. Meal duration was timed using video analysis, and chewing behaviors were quantified using a wearable device.

The results revealed that meals served in individual portions and eaten with utensils, such as the bento meal, led to significantly longer eating durations compared to fast food like pizza. Interestingly, the sequence in which the vegetables were consumed did not have a significant impact on meal duration. Bento meals also resulted in higher numbers of chews and faster chewing tempos, indicating a more deliberate and controlled eating pace.

These findings have important implications for dietary counseling and obesity prevention. By choosing meal types that require utensils and are served in individual components, individuals may be able to prolong their eating time and potentially reduce their overall food intake. This suggests that the structural composition of meals and the use of eating tools play a more significant role in influencing eating behavior than the sequence in which food is consumed.

In practical terms, this study suggests that opting for bento-style meals over fast food could be a simple yet effective way to support behavioral interventions aimed at slowing down eating speed. By addressing the root causes of rapid eating behavior through meal selection and presentation, individuals may be able to make more sustainable changes to their eating habits and improve their metabolic health.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering meal type and composition when trying to address issues related to overconsumption and obesity. By understanding how different foods and eating tools can influence our eating behavior, we can make more informed choices that support our overall health and well-being.