Association between Self-Reported Eating Rate, Energy Intake, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

Abstract

Eating faster is associated with greater body mass index (BMI), but less is known about the relationships between eating rate, energy intake, body composition, and cardio-metabolic risk factors in different Asian ethnic groups. Using data from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort (n = 7011; 21–75 y), we investigated associations between self-reported eating rate (SRER), with energy intake, body composition, blood pressure, and blood lipids. SRER and lifestyle was assessed using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Multivariable models were used to examine the associations of SRER with energy intake, body composition, blood pressure, and blood lipids after adjusting for covariates. General and abdominal overweight were defined as BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 and waist circumference >90 cm (men) and > 80 cm (women), respectively. On average, faster eaters (vs. slower eaters) consumed 105 kcal/day more (p = 0.034), had ~5 kg higher body weight (p < 0.001), 1.3 kg/m2 higher BMI (p < 0.001), and 3.1 cm larger waist-circumference (p < 0.001). Faster eaters had significantly higher blood pressure, circulating triglycerides, and total-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio than slower eaters. Faster eaters were twice as likely to develop general (multivariable-OR: 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8–2.6; p < 0.001), and abdominal (OR: 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5–2.2; p < 0.001) overweight than slower eaters. This association was observed across all subgroups by age, sex, and ethnicity. Findings suggest that SRER is a robust behavioral marker for increased risk of higher energy intake, obesity, and poor cardio-metabolic health, and a modifiable behavioral risk-factor for obesity prevention.

Combined Impact of a Faster Self-Reported Eating Rate and Higher Dietary Energy Intake Rate on Energy Intake and Adiposity

“…Self-reported eating rate (SRER) was recorded by each individual based on a previously published approach [3,21], and previous research has shown that SRER estimates do reflect experimentally observed eating rates at a group level [22,23]. Each participant self-assessed their eating rate in response to the question: "How fast is your rate of eating?…”

“…Details on assessment procedures for body composition have been reported in our previous paper [3]. In brief, body weight, height, and waist-circumference (WC) were assessed according to WHO standards and were taken to the nearest 0.1 kg, 0.1 m, or 0.1 cm, respectively, by trained personnel.…”

“…Eating at a faster rate is associated with increased acute energy intake [1], and epidemiological studies have consistently shown associations between faster eating, higher body mass and adiposity, and poorer cardio-metabolic health [2]. We recently reported that faster self-reported eating rates (SRER) were associated with a significantly higher energy intake, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and adiposity in a population-based cohort [3]. Differences in eating rates are believed to have a heritable component [4], and the emergence of a faster, 'obesogenic' eating style [5] has been shown to be associated with higher fat-free mass, basal metabolic rate and energy requirements [6], and with more rapid weight gain, stronger food approach appetitive traits [7,8] and poorer inhibitory control [9] among children.…”

Fast Eating Is Associated with Increased BMI among High-School Students

“…Additionally, no studies have been conducted in Swedish or Greek populations. The epidemiological self-reported literature on eating rate is also location specific, as it has previously included predominantly Japanese populations (for example 18-year-old women [ 27 ], 29- to 39-month-old children [ 28 ] and middle-aged men and women [ 29 ]), as well as middle-aged women in New Zealand [ 30 ], Dutch adults [ 24 ], Singaporean adults [ 31 ] and South Korean adults [ 32 ]. Thus, data across additional regions and target populations are also needed to clarify the generalizability of past findings.…”

Adaptation and Validation of a Short Acculturation Scale in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

“…This is a population-based cohort study of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 21-75 years, mainly comprising three major ethnic groups in Singapore (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Detailed information is available http://blog.nus.edu.sg/sphs/the-first-sphs-follow-up/, accessed on 5 November 2020 and a previous publication Teo et al [31]. Data collection for the follow-up consisted of two parts: (1) a home interview and (2) a physical examination at a health screening center.…”