Gum chewing while walking increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure

Abstract

[Purpose] Although gum chewing while walking has been reported to increase walking speed and heart rate, its effect on energy expenditure remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of gum chewing while walking on fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and different walking parameters. [Participants and Methods] This randomized crossover study included 10 males and 5 females who walked for 15 min at their own pace while chewing 2 pieces of gum in the gum trial or while eating 2 tablets in the control trial. A wearable metabolic system, heart rate monitor, and pedometer measured fat oxidation, energy expenditure, heart rate, step count, and walking distance. Walking speed and stride length were also calculated. [Results] The energy expenditure, fat oxidation and heart rate were significantly higher during the gum trial than during the control trial. Significant increases were observed in the step count, walking distance, and walking speed but not in the stride length. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that gum chewing affects sympathetic nervous system activity and walking rhythm with a consequent improvement in the health-related effects of walking, which in turn helps to maintain weight. These findings may play a role in preventing the gradual age-related weight gain that predisposes to obesity.

The Effects of Chewing Gum in Preventing Eyestrain

“…The effects of chewing gum demonstrated that the maintenance of homeostasis, in the forms of blood pressure and heart rate, was mediated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves [ 11 – 13 ]. Actions on the autonomic nervous system of the eye were also reported [ 14 ].…”

“…Chewing is known to increase cerebral blood flow [ 10 ] and also actions on the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves) [ 11 – 13 ]. Our previous study showed that chewing gum increases blood flow to the eyes and also the parasympathetic nerves predominantly act to contract the iris sphincter muscle and thus reduce the diameter of the pupil [ 14 ].…”

Gum chewing while walking increases walking distance and energy expenditure: A randomized, single-blind, controlled, cross-over study

“…In addition, it is generally accepted that physical activity confers both physiological and psychological health benefits and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. 10 To date, two studies 11 , 12 have investigated the effects of gum chewing while walking on physiological and physical functions. One study reported an increase in heart rate when participants chewed gum while walking compared with when participants did not chew gum while walking.…”

“… 11 Another study demonstrated that gum chewing while walking increased energy expenditure, heart rate, step count, walking distance, and walking speed compared with walking without chewing gum. 12 However, these studies have methodological issues with regard to the assessment of energy expenditure (i.e., estimated from walking speed) 11 and a limited number of participants (15 participants in total). 12 Therefore, additional research is needed to elucidate the effects of gum chewing while walking on physiological and physical functions.…”

“… 12 However, these studies have methodological issues with regard to the assessment of energy expenditure (i.e., estimated from walking speed) 11 and a limited number of participants (15 participants in total). 12 Therefore, additional research is needed to elucidate the effects of gum chewing while walking on physiological and physical functions.…”