Use of Chewing Gum to Facilitate Appetite Control and Weight Loss

Use of Chewing Gum to Facilitate Appetite Control and Weight Loss in Overweight Individuals Treated by Lifestyle Modification

This purpose of this study was to test the use of chewing gum as an adjunct to lifestyle modification to facilitate appetite control and weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-75 years of age
• Body Mass Index of 25-45 inclusive

Exclusion Criteria:

• major medical psychiatric conditions
• medications know to effect weight
• full or partial dentures
• 18 or fewer teeth
• regular gum chewing (≥ 2 pieces/day)
• use of any tobacco product
• sensitivity to the following ingredients (mint, magnolia bark, eggs, or English Muffins)
• history of PKU
• sensitivity or allergy to aspartame
• current/history of alcohol abuse or addiction (within 5 year)
• recreational drug use
• recent significant weight change (+/- 5% in previous 6 months)
• currently pregnant or nursing and willingness not to get pregnant during course of study
• participation in any other research studies
• proximity to clinic (within one hour)
• access to reliable transportation