Can Chewing Gum Really Help You Lose Weight?

Is it possible to lose weight by simply enjoying a stick of gum? Yes, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who have proven that dieters who chomp on sugarless gum can lose up to 11 pounds a year without changing any of their other eating habits. The study, published in 1999 in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that the energy expended while chewing can really add up. And they are not alone. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have shown that using sugarfree gum can actually curb your appetite and may help lessen your cravings for sweets.

Chewing gum actually burns about 11 calories per hour, and has been show to raise metabolic rates by as much as 20 percent. But before you unwrap that stick and start chomping, keep in mind that not everyone agrees on the advantages of chewing gum to lose weight. Some medical experts caution that excessive chewing can put unnecessary strain on the jaw and associated muscles. The sugar substitutes in sugarless gum may cause digestive upsets in sensitive people, and some doctors have expressed concern regarding other potential health problems from artificial sweeteners. There is some concern that an excess of digestive enzymes, which are produced during chewing, can create internal problems, and may even lead to increased feelings of hunger; and chewing gum loaded with sugar can lead to dental problems as well as empty calories.

The topic remains of interest to researchers, and more studies are likely. In the meantime, you might want to try it for yourself and see if you can chew your way to a slimmer you.

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