Conclusions Most studies revealed a positive association between mastication and obesity among adults .
Background A substantial number of adults suffer from obesity , that is caused by the risk factor , masticatory dysfunction .
The association between mastication and obesity , however , is inconclusive .
This systematic review aims to provide literature regarding the association between mastication and factors affecting masticatory function , and obesity in adults .
Randomized controlled trial of chewing gum for weight loss.
The possible effects on body weight of chewing gum on a regular schedule have not been tested in a r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . We conducted an 8-week RCT in 201 overweight and obese adults to test the hypothesis that receiving printed material on good nutrition and chewing gum for a minimum of 90 min/day ( n = 102 ) would lead to greater weight loss than receiving printed nutrition information only ( n = 99 ) . Changes in BMI , waist circumference , and blood pressure were secondary outcomes . Adherence to the gum-chewing protocol in the intervention group was > 95 % . In the intention-to-treat analysis , there were virtually no changes in weight or BMI in either group between baseline and the end of the intervention at 8 weeks . Waist circumference decreased significantly in the intervention group between baseline and 8 weeks ( mean ± SD change = -1.4 ± 5.3 cm ; P = 0.0128 ) ; however , there was no significant difference in change in waist circumference comparing the groups . Similarly , systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the intervention group between baseline and 8 weeks ( -3.0 ± 9.9 mm Hg ; P = 0.0032 and -3.2 ± 7.3 mm Hg ; P = 0.0001 , respectively ) ; however , there were no significant differences in the changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the groups . Analyses including completers only produced essentially the same results . We conclude that chewing gum on a regular schedule for 8 weeks did not facilitate weight loss in these overweight and obese adults
Conclusions Most studies revealed a positive association between mastication and obesity among adults .
Background A substantial number of adults suffer from obesity , that is caused by the risk factor , masticatory dysfunction .
The association between mastication and obesity , however , is inconclusive .
This systematic review aims to provide literature regarding the association between mastication and factors affecting masticatory function , and obesity in adults .