Factors Related to Eating Speed among Adults: A Scoping Review

Objective: Eating speed is associated with obesity, metabolic syndromes, and diabetes. However, factors associated with eating speed remain to be studied explicitly. In this scoping review, we aimed to report the factors associated with eating speed among adults. Methods: We searched the PubMed and EBSCO databases from inception through February 29, 2024 using the following criteria: (1) original articles reporting factors that influence eating speed; (2) articles on studies including adults (age ≥ 18 years); and (3) articles written in English. We excluded studies focusing on pregnancy, lactation, participants with diseases, and workers in specialized fields. Results: In this review, we examined 33 articles, and identified multiple factors influencing eating speed; namely, individual (demographic, sociopsychological, psychosomatic, and cognitive variables, and eating behavior), interpersonal, environmental, and food factors. Evidence indicates that male sex and non-intuitive eating were associated with fast eating speed. Other factors either showed inconsistencies or were inadequately studied. Conclusion: Although we identified many potential factors influencing eating speed, most of these remain insufficiently studied. Notably, male sex and non-intuitive eating were associated with fast eating speed. Further studies are needed to investigate modifiable factors for preventing fast eating.