The purpose of this study is to determine if chewing gum increases energy expenditure and decreases food intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 27-37, between the ages of 18 and 38

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic disease (e.g. liver, kidney, or heart disease, or diabetes)
• Medications that affect energy expenditure, appetite, or body composition (e.g. antidepressants, beta blockers, antipsychotic, or weight loss medications)
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles in women (indication of onset of menopause or other metabolic disturbances such as polycystic ovary syndrome)
• A history of phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Symptoms of depression
• A history of eating disorders
• Concurrent participation in a weight loss program
• Cigarette smoking or other tobacco use
• Jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Allergies to any of the common components in gum (sweeteners, mint flavors, etc)
• Heavy gum chewing prior to study ( > 3 times per week)
• Pregnancy or lactation.