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

Obesity is a global concern and chewing manipulation has shown promising results for weight management. This preliminary pilot study explored the use of the OCOsense glasses to deliver personalised haptic feedback to encourage slower chewing. It was hypothesised that feedback would reduce chewing rate. A repeated-measures experimental design was used. At T1, participants consumed pasta to collect baseline chewing rates. At T2 (one week later), participants ate pasta but received haptic feedback when chewing exceeded 80 % of their T1 rate. Additional measures included eating rate, food intake, hunger, fullness, feasibility, and acceptability. Twenty-two participants (BMI 18.5-29.9) were recruited. Chewing rate data were collected using the OCOsense glasses. Eating rate was calculated as grams/min by weighing food pre/post-meal, and hunger/fullness levels were self-reported. T-tests compared T1 and T2 data, while feasibility and acceptability were evaluated descriptively. Results showed significant reductions in chewing rate (t(21) = 7.3, p < 0.001) and eating rate (T(N = 22) = 11, p < 0.001) at T2. Despite higher hunger levels at T2 (t(21) = -3.095, p = 0.005), food intake remained unchanged (t(21) = 0.093, p = 0.927). The system ran smoothly and was deemed acceptable. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that haptic feedback may reduce chewing rate, highlighting potential for modifying eating behaviour. However, methodological limitations-such as lack of randomisation and control for confounders-warrant cautious interpretation. Future research should explore effects in individuals with obesity. The OCOsense glasses represent a promising tool for addressing eating habits and obesity through innovative technology.