Fast eating can lead to hormonal imbalances, inefficient food processing, and higher calorie consumption and weight circumference.
The texture of food affects eating speed, with softer and processed foods leading to faster eating, while minimally processed foods promote slower eating.
Deep dives
Eating rate impacts health and weight
Fast eating can have negative consequences for health and weight. Eating quickly affects the speed at which food enters the body, leading to hormonal imbalances and inefficient food processing. Studies have shown that fast eaters tend to consume more calories and have higher weight circumference. Slowing down the eating pace can help increase fullness signals and decrease hunger hormones, resulting in reduced calorie intake and improved weight management.
Impact of texture on eating speed
The texture of food plays a significant role in eating speed. Softer and processed foods often lead to faster eating, while harder textures promote slower eating. Research has shown that consuming minimally processed foods can slow down eating speed by up to 50%. The texture affects the time it takes for fullness signals to reach the brain and influences hormone release. Choosing foods that require more chewing can contribute to a more controlled and slower eating pace.
Blood glucose response and eating speed
Eating speed has a direct impact on blood glucose levels. Fast eating leads to a significant increase in blood glucose, as insulin cannot be released quickly enough to process the carbohydrates consumed. Slower eating allows for a more sustained insulin response and prevents spikes in blood sugar. Studies have shown that the same meal consumed at different speeds can result in threefold differences in blood glucose response. Slowing down the eating process is crucial for preventing metabolic complications and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Our guinea-pig presenter James Gallagher has been eating either extremely fast or excruciatingly slow to figure out what our eating speed does to our health. Dr Sarah Berry from Kings College London explains it’s not good news if you devour your dinner! And we get to the bottom of the headlines on cancer and the artificial sweetener aspartame. James and Prof David Spiegelhalter discuss why these cancer-scare stories keep on happening.
Get in touch with the team (especially if you have any questions about headache or migraine) on InsideHealth@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producer: Julia Ravey
Editor: Erika Wright
Production Co-ordinator: Jonathan Harris
Studio Manager: Giles Aspen
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