Is Eating Too Fast Actually Bad for You?

The American Heart Association has conducted some interesting research that seems to suggest wolfing down your meals could actually contribute to serious health issues if done too often. Their preliminary research showed that it not only lead to additional weight gain, but a few other undesirable symptoms, too.

The study consisted of over 1,000 people followed over a five-year period (2008-2013) that completed extensive surveys about their health and diet, and also took physical health exams at the beginning and end of the research.

After being identified as slow, fast, or normal eaters. Those who were closer to the fast-eater side of the scale ended up showing signs of increased weight-gain, higher cholesterol, and an increased blood sugar level.

Fast-eaters were also at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome – a cluster of symptoms associated with heart disease, strokes, and diabetes – than those who ate at a normal speed.

So the risks seem pretty evident, but what are you supposed to do about it? Well, they didn’t identify an exact period or duration that a meal should last, but they mentioned that the best indicator is chewing your food enough times for it to have a smooth consistency before swallowing. Scarfing down whole chunks of food is a definite path to problems.

So from now on, when you’re having meals, take moderate bites and make sure to chew extensively, and take a deep breath before going onto your next bite!