Chewing Gum: Weight Loss Friend or Foe?

There may be good news for compulsive chewers. A research study done by The Obesity Society found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack helped reduce hunger, diminish cravings and promote fullness. Recent attention has turned to Geri Haliwell (Baby Spice) for having claimed to chew Hubba Bubba instead of eating meals when she’s busy. When looking at her recent pictures, you can’t help but attribute her chewing habits to her tiny physique. Before you go out and buy 7 packs of chewing gum for the week, however, be aware that there are risk and disadvantages to chewing excess amounts of gum.

In one recent case, a New Zealand doctor confirmed a case of aspartame poisoning from excessive consumption of chewing gum. Aspartame is a sweetener marketed under a number of trademark names, including Tropicana Slim, Equal, NutraSweet, and Canderel. The sugar alternative, Aspartame, has been known to cause headaches, stomach upsets, nerve damage, and even brain tumors.

Some bubble gums such as Hubba Bubba and Bubblicious contain natural sugar, making them better for your health than sugar-free gum. However, the 25 calories in each piece racks up to about 450 calories a pack, which is about the number of calories in the average lunch. Further, doctors claim that some patients have actually found the act of chewing to stimulate their appetite and produce excess gas and stomach upset.

As with most diets, the key to using chewing gum for weight loss is all about moderation. Rather than using chewing gum as a substitute for meals, chew one or two pieces before a meal, satisfying your sugar craving and, in turn, causing you to eat smaller portions and fewer deserts. Stays away from sugar-free gums – their adverse health effects outweigh their potential for weight loss assistance.