Abstract
Objective: To examine relationships between fast eating habit and overweight. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Four rural areas in Japan. Subjects: A total of 2,239 adults (782 men and 1,457 women) who participated in a health check-up program. Measurements: Body mass index (overweight 25.0) and the habit of eating quickly (validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire). Statistical analysis: A covariance analysis was used to examine an independent relationship between the habit of eating quickly and overweight. Results: 21.1% of males and 21.4% of females were found overweight. 40.3% of males and 34.7% of females reported that they were in the habit of eating quickly. The multivariable adjustment included age, total energy intake, fat energy balance, alcohol intake, smoking status, physical activity level, and survey area. After adjusting for these variables, the habit of eating quickly was positively related with overweight in both males and females.
Conclusion: The habit of eating quickly was independently related with overweight, and to control of the eating behavior would thus be essential for Japanese rural residents in order to reduce their body weight.
