Effects of Developmental Failure of Swallowing Threshold on Obesity and Eating Behaviors in Children Aged 5-15 Years

Background: The aim of the present study was to identify factors related to developmental failure of swallowing threshold in children aged 5−15 years. Methods: A total of 83 children aged 5−15 years were included in this study. A self-administered lifestyle questionnaire was completed, along with hand grip strength and oral function tests. Swallowing threshold was determined based on the concentration of dissolved glucose obtained from gummy jellies when the participants signaled that they wanted to swallow the chewed gummy jellies. Developmental failure of swallowing threshold was defined as glucose concentrations in the lowest 20th percentile. After univariate analysis, multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with developmental failure of swallowing threshold. Results: Hand grip strength was significantly correlated with masticatory performance (r = 0.611, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed factors related to developmental failure of swallowing threshold, i.e., overweight/obesity (Odds ratio) (OR) = 5.343, p = 0.031, 95% CI = 1.168−24.437) and eating between meals at least once a day (OR = 4.934, p = 0.049, 95% CI = 1.004−24.244). Conclusions: Developmental failure of swallowing threshold was closely associated with childhood obesity in 5- to 15-year-old children.