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Speed Eating Is Associated with Poor Mental Health Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to determine whether mental health status contributes to speed eating in adolescents and young adults. Methods: This study enrolled 106 subjects (53 males and 53 females), ranging in age from 12 to 24 years. After a self-administered lifestyle questionnaire and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered, a swallowing threshold test was performed. The swallowing threshold was determined based on the concentration of dissolved glucose obtained from the gummy jellies. Low swallowing threshold was characterized by glucose levels falling within the bottom 20th percentile. GHQ-12 was categorized into poor (score 4–12) and normal (score 0–3). Following the univariate analysis, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors linked to a low swallowing threshold. Results: Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with a low swallowing threshold included poor mental health (odds ratio [OR] = 8.47, p = 0.007, confidence interval [CI] = 2.437–32.934) and no physical activity (OR = 5.604, p = 0.008, CI = 1.562–22.675). Conclusions: Speed eating is closely associated with risk behaviors for poor mental health in adolescents and young adults.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu17172822

Authors: Yuko Fujita, Tomohiro Takeshima

Institution: Nagasaki University

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499