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Self-reported rate of eating correlates with body mass index in 18-y-old Japanese women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between rate of eating and macronutrient and dietary fiber intake, and body mass index (BMI).

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS: A total of 1695 18-y-old female Japanese dietetic students.

MEASUREMENTS: Macronutrient intake (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) and dietary fiber intake were assessed over a 1-month period with a validated, self-administered, diet history questionnaire. Body height and weight and rate of eating (according to five categories) were self-reported.

RESULTS: Among the nutrients examined, only dietary fiber intake weakly, but significantly, and negatively correlated with BMI in a multiple regression analysis. The rate of eating showed a significant and positive correlation with BMI. The mean BMI was higher by 2.2, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 kg/m2 in the ‘very fast’, ‘relatively fast’, ‘medium’, and ‘relatively slow’ groups, respectively, compared with the ‘very slow’ rate of eating group. This correlation remained evident after adjustment for nutrient intake.

CONCLUSIONS: Rate of eating showed a significant and positive correlation with BMI, whereas only dietary fiber intake showed a weak correlation with BMI.

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Sasaki, S., Katagiri, A., Tsuji, T. et al. Self-reported rate of eating correlates with body mass index in 18-y-old Japanese women. Int J Obes 27, 1405–1410 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802425

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