Is Chewing Gum Good For Weight Loss?
After hearing that contestants on the recent series of The Biggest Loser have been advised to chew gum in a bid to suppress their appetites, I decided to look around to see if I could find a study to back it up. I couldn't find the actual details of the study but here is a section of a press release:
"A separate study, carried out by researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University and the Wrigley Science Institute, found that chewing gum can be a good appetite suppressant. The study found that by chewing gum before an afternoon snack, one would consume 25 less snack calories. While that is not a high number, according to nutritionists, even a slight reduction in caloric intake can have significant effects in the long term. This study was comprised of 60 adults between the ages of 18 and 54. Each participant consumed a sweet and salty snack after either chewing sweet gum or not chewing gum at all. Hunger, appetite, and cravings were then monitored throughout the remainder of the day. Along with reducing caloric intake, participants reported feeling an improved mood due to reduced anxiety and stress, and increasing contentment and relaxation. "
Firstly, as any clear thinking adult can work out, Wrigley's is actually involved with this study so alarm bells should start ringing there. The next is the fact that it says each person consumed "25 less snack calories". If this is what it's based on, then it is hardly a great finding. With a kg of body fat consisting of 7700 calories, 25 calories is quite insignificant (0.003 of a kg). Over the course of a year this comes to 1.2kg.
It's hard to get an informed opinion about this study without actually the full report. How long did the study go for, 1 day or 1 year? How exactly were their moods measured? Did they actually lose any weight whilst they were on the program?
All answer to each of these questions can make a big difference to how we should interpret the results. If the study went for a day then it is totally insignificant, whereas if it went for a year it would hold a lot more weight. If the moods were measure by ticking a box, then there may not have been enough options, if they were able to write there response in there own words then that would be more accurate. If the people doing the study were not actively trying to lose weight then of course 25 calories will make no difference to their moods. they can go home and fill up on more food afterwards.
Anyway, I hope the study (and others supporting it) can come forward as I'd hate to see the show pushing a product on it's loyal viewers by telling them that it will help them achieve their goals.
If anyone finds the full study, please place a link in the comments section below.