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Negative Emotional Eating Behaviour Is Associated With Decreased Masticatory Function
Vasily Smirnov1, Sergey Popov1, Daria Khramova1
1Institute of Physiology of Federal Research Centre "Komi Science Centre of the Urals Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Syktyvkar, Russia.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|August 15, 2025
Summary
Emotional eaters exhibit reduced chewing activity and efficiency. This study found they chew less and create less fragmented food boluses compared to controls, impacting masticatory performance.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Emotional eating is linked to altered eating behaviors.
- Masticatory function plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Understanding the impact of emotional eating on chewing mechanics is important for nutritional and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electromyographic (EMG) parameters of masticatory muscle activity in emotional eaters.
- To evaluate bolus properties using an agar chewing test in individuals with emotional eating tendencies.
- To compare chewing efficiency and muscle activity between emotional eaters and controls.
Main Methods:
- Participants were categorized as control or emotional eaters using the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQEmo).
- Electromyographic (EMG) parameters, including chewing rhythm and muscle activity (masseter, suprahyoid, temporal muscles), were recorded during chewing.
- Agar gel was used for chewing tests to assess bolus properties, saliva content, and particle fragmentation.
Main Results:
- Emotional eaters performed 13% fewer chewing cycles compared to controls.
- Lower mean and area amplitudes of EMG signals were observed in the temporal muscle of emotional eaters.
- Emotional eaters had 12% lower bolus saliva content and an 11% lower fraction of small bolus particles (<1.6 mm).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with emotional eating patterns demonstrate decreased masticatory activity.
- Masticatory efficiency, indicated by bolus fragmentation, is reduced in emotional eaters.
- These findings highlight a potential link between emotional eating and impaired chewing function.
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