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 .
Relationships between eating quickly and weight gain in Japanese university students: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE Many cross-sectional studies have reported a relationship between overweight/obesity and eating quickly , but there have been few longitudinal studies to address this relationship in younger population s. The purpose of this prospect i ve longitudinal study was to investigate whether eating quickly was related to being overweight in Japanese university students . METHODS Of 1,396 students who underwent a general examination and completed question naires at the start of university and before graduation , 1,314 students ( 676 male and 638 female ) of normal body composition [ body mass index ( BMI ) < 25 kg m(-2 ) ] at baseline were included in the analysis . The question naires included  speed of eating and other lifestyle factors . After a 3-year follow-up , the students whose BMI s were ≥ 25 kg m(-2 ) were defined as overweight . RESULTS In this study , 38 participants ( 2.9 % ) became overweight . In the logistic regression analysis , the risk of being overweight was increased in males [ adjusted odds ratio ( OR ) : 2.77 ; 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) : 1.33 - 5.79 ; P < 0.01 ] and in those who ate quickly at baseline ( OR : 4.40 ; 95 % CI : 2.22 - 8.75 ; P < 0.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Eating quickly may predict risk of being overweight in Japanese university students
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 .