Pilot study to reduce chewing and eating rates using haptic feedback from the OCOsense glasses

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Obesity is a significant global health issue.
• Modifying eating behaviors, such as chewing rate, is a potential strategy for weight management.
• Technological interventions are being explored to aid in behavior modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of OCOsense glasses in reducing chewing rate through personalized haptic feedback.
• To assess the impact of haptic feedback on eating rate, food intake, hunger, and fullness.
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using OCOsense glasses for modifying eating behavior.

Main Methods:

• A repeated-measures experimental design was employed.
• Participants consumed pasta, with chewing rates measured at baseline (T1) and with haptic feedback (T2).
• Haptic feedback was delivered by OCOsense glasses when chewing exceeded 80% of the T1 rate; eating rate, food intake, and satiety were also measured.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in both chewing rate (p < 0.001) and eating rate (p < 0.001) were observed at T2 compared to T1.
• Despite increased hunger levels (p = 0.005), total food intake remained unchanged (p = 0.927).
• The OCOsense system demonstrated smooth operation and was deemed acceptable by participants.

Conclusions:

• Personalized haptic feedback delivered via OCOsense glasses can effectively reduce chewing and eating rates.
• This technology holds potential for modifying eating behaviors and could be a tool for weight management.
• Further research, including studies on individuals with obesity and addressing methodological limitations, is warranted.