When healthy young adults ate ultra-processed meals high in protein and low in carbs, they ate more slowly and chewed each bite more times than when eating meals with normal protein and carb levels, which may help them eat less.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Whether high-protein ultra-processed diets consistently reduce eating rate and increase chewing frequency across studies, and whether these changes predict reduced energy intake.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs measuring eating rate and chewing frequency during ad libitum consumption of high-protein (>30% energy) vs. normal-protein ultra-processed diets in healthy adults, with standardized video recording protocols.
Whether artificially slowing eating rate or increasing chewing frequency during a normal-protein ultra-processed meal reduces intake to the level seen with high-protein meals.
A double-blind, crossover RCT with 40 healthy adults consuming a normal-protein ultra-processed meal under three conditions: normal eating, eating slowed to match high-protein meal rate (via metronome), and chewing each bite 50% more times, measuring energy intake as the primary outcome.
Whether individuals who habitually eat high-protein ultra-processed foods have slower eating rates and higher chewing frequency over time.
A prospective cohort study following 500 adults for 2 years, using repeated video recordings of meals to measure eating rate and chewing frequency, and tracking dietary protein intake from ultra-processed foods.
Whether individuals who overeat ultra-processed foods have faster eating rates and lower chewing frequency than those who regulate intake.
A case-control study comparing 60 individuals who gain >5kg/year on ultra-processed diets to 60 matched controls, measuring eating rate and chewing frequency during standardized ultra-processed meals.
Whether self-reported intake of high-protein ultra-processed foods correlates with self-reported eating speed in a population.
A cross-sectional survey of 1,200 adults measuring self-reported ultra-processed food intake and protein percentage alongside self-reported eating speed (e.g., 'I eat quickly' scale) in a single session.