A new study in UK found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack can help reduce hunger, dimish cravings and control appetite among individuals who limit their overall calorie intake, media reported Thursday. (File Photo)

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- A new study in UK found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack can help reduce hunger, dimish cravings and control appetite among individuals who limit their overall calorie intake, media reported Thursday.

    Calorie intake from snacks is significantly reduced by as much as 25 calories, according to the study.

    The research by Glasgow's Caledonian University in Scotland found that "chewing gum suppressed ratings of hunger, desire to eat and cravings for high energy snacks."

    This study supports the role of chewing gum as an easy, practical tool for weight management. 

    In the study, researchers asked 60 people aged 18 to 54 to consume a sweet and salty afternoon snack after chewing a sweetened gum or not chewing gum.

    They then were checked for hunger, appetite and cravings.

    Apart from reducing caloric intake by 25 calories, the researchers also found that it specifically reduced sweet snack intake by 39 calories; and salty snacks by 11 calories.

    Hunger and desire to eat were significantly suppressed by chewing gum at one, two and three hour intervals after lunch.

    In a similar study among individuals not actively trying to manage their weight, chewing gum reduced snack intake by average of 36 calories.

    Data from both studies found that chewing gum reduced intake of the sweet snack in particular by an average of 47 calories.

    Nutritionists say that even small changes in calories can have an impact in the long term.

    (Agencies)