Dr Michael Mosley says the way you eat can have a big impact on your weight and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The health expert says there are health benefits to eating slowly
Medical guru Dr Michael Mosley suggests that not just what you munch on, but how you dine can curb your chances of piling on the pounds and developing type 2 diabetes.
The popular TV personality and host of the Just One Thing podcast is championing eating slowly for its bountiful health benefits. Dr Mosley, also famed as a diet creator and author, explored how taking time with your meals could even quell bloating by reducing air swallowed during eating.
He said: “The reason eating quickly leads to weight gain is that it affects the release of hunger-suppressing hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is a natural version of drugs such as Ozempic that are currently causing such excitement in the weight loss world.
“Eating at a more leisurely rate gives your body more time to tell your brain that it’s eaten enough. That’s because it normally takes around 30-40 minutes, after eating, for food to get from your stomach to your small intestine, where there are receptors that sense the arrival of the food and release GLP-1 – this then tells your brain that you’ve had enough. If you eat fast, then you can cram in far more calories before you realise you’re full.”
Writing in MailOnline, Dr Mosley cited a study in 2018 involving nearly 60,000 participants, demonstrating slow eaters were 42 per cent less likely to be obese. Further highlighting a 2023 study led by Professor Tim Spector and Zoe nutrition team unearthed quick eaters tend to consume more and consequently experience a surge in blood sugar levels.
The study revealed that those who rush down their meals tend to be around a stone heavier than those who take their time to savour each bite, reports Bristol Live. Health guru Dr Mosley advises that to promote leisurely dining, one should sit at a table rather than eating at a desk, in front of the telly, or while dashing about.
He points out that home-cooked meals are not only richer in fibre compared to ultra-processed grub but also require more time to chew and enjoy. To further decelerate your dining pace, he suggests taking a sip of water between bites. Dr Mosley emphasised: “Pay attention to what you are eating and really savour the food. Eating should be a pleasure, not just a way of fuelling up.”