Fast Eaters and Poor Chewers More Likely to Be Obese: A cross-sectional study from the Osaka MELON Study

Takayuki KOUSAKA, Kazunori IKEBE
Dept. of Removable Prosthodontics and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Dentistry

Kazuhiko Nakano, Masatoshi OTSUGU
Depatrment of Pediatric Dentistry

New research suggests that eating habits and chewing ability play a significant role in childhood obesity.

The research group of the Graduate School of Dentistry has revealed a groundbreaking link between eating habits, chewing ability, and obesity in elementary school children. The study, which involved over 1,400 fourth graders in Osaka City, is the first of its kind to demonstrate this connection.

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, often leading to health problems in adulthood. While eating habits and chewing ability have long been suspected to play a role, this study provides concrete evidence of their impact.

They, in collaboration with the Osaka City Board of Education, the Osaka School Dental Association, and Lotte Co., Ltd., analyzed data from 1,403 fourth-grade students. Their findings showed that: Children who ate quickly and stuffed their mouths were more likely to be obese. Those with weaker chewing abilities, meaning they had difficulty breaking down food properly, also showed a greater tendency towards obesity.
These findings highlight the importance of addressing both “how” and “how well” children eat to tackle childhood obesity effectively.

This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches to childhood obesity prevention that include promoting mindful eating habits and ensuring children develop proper chewing function.

This article, “Chewing habits and masticatory performance are associated with obesity in 9- to 10-year-old children: A cross-sectional study from the Osaka MELON Study” was published at DOI：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105666