Association between Self-Perception of Chewing, Chewing Behavior, and the Presence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Nutrients. 2024 Apr 9;16(8):1096. doi: 10.3390/nu16081096.

Abstract

Given the changes in the digestive tract post-bariatric surgery, adapting to a new pattern of eating behavior becomes crucial, with special attention to the specifics of chewing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-perception of chewing, chewing behavior, and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in preoperative patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Sixty adult candidates for bariatric surgery at a public hospital in Belém (Brazil) were analyzed. Participants predominantly exhibited unilateral chewing patterns (91.6%), a fast chewing rhythm (73.3%), a large food bolus (80%), liquid intake during meals (36.7%), and 41.7% reported that chewing could cause some issue. Significant associations were found between the perception of causing problems and chewing scarcity (p = 0.006), diarrhea (p = 0.004), absence of slow chewing (p = 0.048), and frequent cutting of food with front teeth (p = 0.034). These findings reveal a relationship between the perception of chewing problems and chewing scarcity, presence of diarrhea, and fast chewing.

Keywords: bariatric surgery; chewing; gastrointestinal symptoms; obesity; speech therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Brazil
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastication*
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / psychology
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Self Concept*

Grants and funding

This study received financial support from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and the Fundação Amazônia de Amparo a Estudos e Pesquisas (Fapespa).