Association between eating speed, body composition, and physical activity: a cross-sectional study in Gujarat, India

This study aims to investigate the relationship between eating speed, body composition, and physical activity among adults in Gujarat, India. By analyzing anthropometric and metabolic parameters across different eating-speed groups, the study seeks to identify whether eating speed influences obesity-related body composition indicators and how it interacts with levels of physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 465 adults (240 males, 225 females) aged 18–65 years in Gujarat, India. Anthropometric and body-composition measures (BMI, body-fat %, visceral-fat %, resting metabolism) were recorded using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Eating speed was assessed via a self-structured questionnaire, and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Fast eaters demonstrated significantly higher BMI and visceral fat levels compared with moderate and slow eaters (BMI: p = 0.0179; visceral fat: p = 0.0166), indicating a positive association between rapid eating and greater adiposity. No significant associations were observed for body-fat percentage (p = 0.6815) or resting metabolism (p = 0.0657). There was no association between eating habits and physical activity. Eating speed was positively associated with BMI and visceral fat, indicating that faster eating contributes to greater adiposity. Therefore, modifying eating speed may act as a feasible behavioral intervention to help reduce obesity, especially when combined with regular physical activity.