Does the addition of earplugs improve adherence to a reduced eating rate protocol?

Abstract

Eating slowly has been associated with low body mass and greater cephalic phase response. This study hypothesised that the novel addition of earplugs -that block the ear canal-to a previously developed slow eating protocol would increase postprandial satiety. 12 healthy young participants [(6 M, 6F) mean age (± SD) 24.58 ± 6.64 years, mean BMI 22.23 ± 3.13 kg/m2] were randomised to a one way crossover study. Following anthropometric measurements an isocaloric meal was consumed and participants' normal eating rates (NER) were recorded. Participants received instruction on a slow eating rate protocol on 2 occasions with (SER–In) and without (SER-Out) earplugs. Perceived satiety was measured at the start of the meal, t = 0 and then at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min. Total area under the curve (TAUC) was calculated from visual analogue data to compare the different eating conditions. Perceived hunger (p = 0.034) and desire to eat (p = 0.005) were significantly lower and perceived fullness significantly greater (p = 0.03) in SER-In compared to NER, with no significant differences between SER-In and SER-Out. Although there was a positive effect on perceived satiety for the SER-In group only, this study showed that there is no added effect in perceived satiation when earplugs are combined with a SER protocol.