Relationship Between Rate of Eating and Degree of Satiation

ABSTRACT

Behavioral psychologists have developed effective methods of treatment for overeating and weight control, including mealtime regulation, avoidance of taboo foods, and removal of identified precursors to the bingeing behavior. The current study sought to examine the relationship between speed of eating and levels of satiation in weight conscious individuals. Ten participants were instructed to eat at a fast and a slow rate in a within-subjects reversal design. Consuming food at a slow rate helped participants achieve satiation quicker with comparable amounts of food intake. Slow eaters were also less likely to overeat. These results suggest that slow eating may prevent excessive food consumption in weight conscious individuals, constituting an effective means of weight management.

KEYWORDS:

• Binge eating
• satiation
• spaced eating
• weight control

The authors thank Michael J. Buermann, BS, for his help reviewing the article in preparation for submission for publication and statistical analysis. Michael is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include substance use, music and psychology, and behavioral medicine.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nathan H. Azrin

Nathan H. Azrin, PhD, ABPP, is Professor, Nova Southeastern University, whose research has been concerned with developing new treatments for a variety of applied and clinical problems. He received his PhD in 1956 under B. F. Skinner at Harvard. Dr. Azrin is a past President of ABA, AABT, MPA, Div. 25 of APA, FABA, and Editor of JBAB and JABA.

Michael J. Kellen

Michael J. Kellen, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include eating disorders and the treatment of perpetrators of domestic violence.

Jeannie Brooks

Jeannie Brooks, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include eating disorders and the efficacy of treatment programs for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Chris Ehle

Chris Ehle, MS, is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include ADHD and eating disorders.

Veronica Vinas

Veronica Vinas, MS is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, Nova Southeastern University, whose research interests include ADHD and eating disorders.