Association of masticatory behaviors on anthropometric indices, metabolic health and appetite regulation in free-living college students

This investigation examines the relationship between masticatory behaviors, anthropometric indices, metabolic indicators, and appetite regulation in college students, encompassing two distinct studies. Study 1 (S1) employed a methodology that recorded the dietary intake of 64 fully dentulous college students over 4 consecutive days (3 weekdays and 1 weekend day), classifying them according to Asian-specific BMI categories (normal-weight; n=32 vs. obese n=32). It was found that obese participants consumed approximately 23% more calories daily than their normal-weight counterparts (P<0.001). Moreover, obese individuals exhibited a lower chewing frequency (56.8 ± 14.0 chews per minute) and fewer chews per bite (26.8 ± 12.6) compared to those of normal weight (68.3 ± 6.42 chews per minute and 36.8 ± 11.1 chews per bite, respectively) (both P<0.01), with no marked differences in meal duration or bite rate (P>0.05). An inverse relationship was identified between chewing frequency and chews per bite, and anthropometric measurements (i.e., body mass, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio with the average chews per bite) (all P<0.05). Notably, the chews per bite in obese participants were 40% lower than those in normal-weight peers (26.8 vs. 36.8), which informed the intervention strategy in the subsequent study. Accordingly, Study 2 (S2) aimed to assess the impact of a 40% increase in chews per bite on key metabolic markers and perceived fullness ratings in obese college students through baseline and post-intervention evaluations. Although reductions in fasting plasma [triglycerides], [uric acid], and [glucose] post-intervention were not statistically significant (P>0.05), there was a noteworthy increase in perceived fullness 1.5 hours after eating (45.34 ± 14.17 mm from baseline 39.88 ± 18.18 mm; p < 0.01), indicating a positive effect on satiety from the intervention and potential impact in appetitite regulation. Collectively, this thesis elucidates the significant role of masticatory behaviors in the dietary and metabolic health of collegiate students. Findings from S1 underline a difference in caloric intake and chewing patterns between normal-weight and obese individuals, highlighting a potential link to obesity. The intervention approach of S2, aiming to modify chewing behaviors, suggests promising directions for obesity management. Although changes in metabolic markers were not statistically significant, the significant increase in post-meal fullness ratings indicates a beneficial effect on satiety. This suggests that encouraging more deliberate chewing could serve as a simple, yet effective dietary intervention to combat obesity via appetite regulation, warranting further exploration in future research