Researchers found that people ate fewer snacks, and cut 40 calories off their in-between meal consumption when they chewed gum.
The people who took part in the study said they didn't feel as hungry, or didn't desire sweets after chewing gum.
They also reported having more energy throughout the day and feeling less drowsy around snack-time.
"This research supports the role of chewing gum as an easy, practical tool for managing snack, especially sweet snack, intake and cravings," said lead researcher Paula J. Geiselman, Chief of Women's Health and Eating Behavior, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, /*Louisiana State University*/.
The study was funded by /*Wrigley*/, maker of /*Extra gum*/, and was presented at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting in New Orleans.
Yet like all heath-related studies, medical experts caution that this study should not be considered in isolation, nor should it spur a new diet strategy.
They say that even sugar-free chewing gum is not without potential side effects. They say that much more research is needed on potential effects associated with artificial sweeteners.
For additional details on the study, go to: http://www.livescience.com/health/090420-chewing-gum-diet.html
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