Chewing Gum for Eating Habits

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Must not be taking: Appetite suppressants

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Lactose intolerance, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 3 sessions (60 minutes each)

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are taking any medication that influences appetite, you will need to stop taking it to participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment C (Cinnamon gum), MCC (Mint Chocolate Chip gum), and NO GUM in the clinical trial titled 'Chewing Gum for Eating Habits'?

Research shows that chewing gum can help reduce snack intake and control appetite, as one study found that chewing gum reduced snack energy intake by 36 calories compared to not chewing gum. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is chewing gum, including cinnamon-flavored, safe for humans?

Cinnamon-flavored chewing gum can cause oral reactions like contact stomatitis (irritation in the mouth), but these are usually reversible when gum use is stopped. There is no evidence that improved flavor in nicotine gum increases the risk of abuse, and it may help reduce cravings. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does chewing gum as a treatment for eating habits differ from other treatments?

Chewing gum is unique because it is a simple, non-invasive method that can help reduce hunger and energy intake by providing oral stimulation, which may help manage eating habits without the need for medication or complex interventions. ^{1 4 5 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to examine if chewing gum before an eating bout will increase the rate of habituation and subsequently reduce energy intake within the eating bout.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 18-40, with a BMI of 18.5-24.9, who enjoy MCC ice cream and are non-smokers. Participants should not be on a diet (low restraint eaters), have no dietary-restricted health conditions, aren't pregnant or lactose-intolerant, and can stay in the area during the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I like MCC ice cream enough to eat it regularly.

My BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Unrestrained eater (scoring less than or equal to 12 on the restraint scale of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire [TFEQ15])

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot chew gum for the required time in the study.

Lactose-intolerant

Score >16 on the Binge Eating Scale (BES10)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in gum chewing and ice cream consumption sessions to measure habituation and energy intake

3 sessions (60 minutes each)

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any changes in energy intake and satiation post-treatment

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• C (Cinnamon gum)
• MCC (Mint Chocolate Chip gum)
• NO GUM

Trial Overview The study tests if chewing different types of gum (Mint Chocolate Chip or Cinnamon) before eating affects how quickly people get used to the taste of food and therefore eat less during a meal compared to not chewing any gum.

Participant Groups

Group I: Order 2 Active Control 3 Interventions

Gum chewing order for ice-cream sessions, 1-3 respectively: MCC, C, NO GUM

Group II: Order 3 Active Control 3 Interventions

Gum chewing order for ice-cream sessions, 1-3 respectively: C, NO GUM, MCC

Group III: Order 1 Active Control 3 Interventions

Gum chewing order for sessions, 1-3 respectively: NO GUM, MCC, C

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

93

Recruited

19,500+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of sweetened chewing gum on appetite, meal patterning and energy intake. [2015]

2. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short-term effects of a green coffee extract-, Garcinia c ambogia- and L-carnitine-containing chewing gum on snack intake and appetite regulation. [2018]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chewing gum prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting in the intensive care unit: a pilot randomised controlled trial. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of after-meal sucrose-free gum-chewing on clinical caries. [2017]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short-term effects of chewing gum on snack intake and appetite. [2014]

6. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oral adverse reactions due to cinnamon-flavoured chewing gums consumption. [2014]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Flavor improvement does not increase abuse liability of nicotine chewing gum. [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue associated with cinnamon gum use: a case report. [2019]

9. Poland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cinnamon contact stomatitis. [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chewing gum intake in Europe: a survey of intakes in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. [2015]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chewing gum decreases energy intake at lunch following a controlled breakfast. [2018]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The influence of excessive chewing gum use on headache frequency and severity among adolescents. [2015]