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A recent study published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes has found that fast eating habits, defined as consuming a meal in less than five minutes, are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MASLD is a condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, and it is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern.
Study Overview
The study, a sub-analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional investigation, involved 1,965 Chinese participants and explored the connection between eating speed and the likelihood of developing MASLD. Participants were grouped based on the self-reported frequency of fast eating, categorized as:
- Eating fast ≤1 time/month
- Eating fast ≤1 time/week
- Eating fast ≥2 times/week
The results revealed a stark difference in the prevalence of MASLD across these groups. Among participants who ate fast two or more times per week, the prevalence of MASLD was 59.3%. In contrast, the prevalence was lower at 50.5% for those who ate fast once a week or less, and 46.2% for those who engaged in fast eating only once a month.
Health Impacts of Fast Eating
Participants who frequently ate fast were more likely to exhibit certain unhealthy behaviors, including smoking and alcohol consumption. Significant differences in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and liver enzyme levels (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were also observed between groups, indicating a broader impact of fast eating on metabolic health.
Even after adjusting for variables such as age, sex, BMI, smoking and drinking status, and other metabolic parameters, the study found that eating fast two or more times per week increased the odds of developing MASLD by 81% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81). For those who ate fast less frequently, the risk was 45% higher (OR: 1.45) compared to individuals who seldom ate fast.
Meta-Analysis Confirms Link
The findings were further supported by a meta-analysis of five eligible studies, including the current one, which demonstrated a pooled OR of 1.22 for the association between fast eating and MASLD risk. This indicates that the habit of eating quickly significantly elevates the risk of developing this liver disease.
Recommendations for Metabolic Health
The study’s authors emphasized that adopting mindful eating habits—taking time to chew food thoroughly and engage the senses—may help mitigate the risk of MASLD and promote overall metabolic health. Mindful eating involves paying attention to the colors, aromas, flavors, textures, and sounds of food, encouraging a more measured and health-conscious approach to meals.
Given the potential risks associated with fast eating, the study highlights the importance of slowing down and being more attentive during meals, a shift that could significantly improve liver health and reduce the burden of MASLD globally.
Reference:
Zhang, M., et al. (2024). Association between fast eating speed and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A multicenter cross-sectional study and meta-analysis. Nutrition & Diabetes, 14(1):61. doi: 10.1038/s41387-024-00326-x.
