A new study from Fujita Health University shows pizza is eaten much faster than chopstick-based bento meals. The finding suggests that how a meal is presented and consumed matters more for eating speed than simply changing the order of foods.
For Thai readers, where fast-food chains sit beside beloved rice and noodle dishes eaten with spoons and chopsticks, the results offer timely context. Eating speed not only affects fullness signals but also has implications for obesity and metabolic health in a country where these concerns are rising.
The study, published in Nutrients, tracked 41 adults who were faculty and staff at the Japanese university. They ate three meals over 12 weeks: a handheld slice of microwave pizza, a hamburger steak bento with broccoli and rice (vegetables eaten first), and the same bento with vegetables eaten last. Researchers used video and a chewing-monitoring device to measure duration. On average, the pizza meal finished faster than the bento meals, with the vegetable-first version taking about 182 seconds longer and the vegetable-last version about 216 seconds longer. The differences were statistically significant.
Notably, the order of vegetables did not meaningfully change total eating time, indicating that meal sequence—a technique often used in dietary counseling for glycemic control—may not slow eating as much as the meal type and utensils used. Bento meals tended to involve more chews and a faster chewing tempo, but the number of bites stayed similar across meals. There was no clear link between meal duration and BMI. Older age and male gender were associated with quicker completion.
Experts from Fujita Health University emphasize that meal design and serving methods can be powerful, yet underappreciated, levers for healthier eating. If the goal is to slow down, choosing meals that require utensils and have multiple components—such as a traditional bento—can naturally extend eating time and help moderate intake.
In Thailand, fast food is widespread alongside rice- and noodle-centered meals. The rapid rise of fast-food dining aligns with broader Asian trends and contributes to overweight and obesity, a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Thai health surveys show rising overweight prevalence, especially in Bangkok and fast-urbanizing areas. Teen and young adult patterns—often linked to screen time—also influence dietary choices.
Thai dining culture often features shared dishes and plated portions, with individuals drawing portions onto their plate. A nutrition specialist from a leading Bangkok hospital notes this structure can slow eating and promote mindful meals, aligning with the study’s implications. In contrast, quick, convenience foods—pizza, burgers, fried snacks—tend to undermine these cultural strengths by encouraging rapid consumption.
The study reinforces a broader message: environmental cues around meals—such as whether food is eaten with hands or utensils and whether it arrives as separate components—may influence eating pace more than simple admonitions to “eat slowly.” Past research on cues like bite size and portioning informs these conclusions, with a call for renewed attention to how meals are designed.
Practical implications for Thailand include promoting multi-component meal sets in schools and workplaces, encouraging traditional serving styles at home, and favoring utensils over hands for certain meals. Such changes may be more approachable for families than demanding sheer willpower to slow down. Future research could explore how integrating communal dining customs and social pacing might further curb overeating.
Public health messaging in Thailand could emphasize meal structure and utensils, alongside nutrition education. Health authorities might also consider coordinating with schools and canteens to offer diverse, well-balanced meal formats that naturally slow pace and support satiety.
For further insight, researchers and readers can explore related coverage from nutrition journals and health organizations that study eating behavior and obesity prevention. Data from international health bodies continues to underscore the value of mindful dining practices as part of a comprehensive approach to metabolic health.