Calories Count

When it comes to managing weight [Download PDF], every calorie counts. Experts say that even small decreases in calories can have a big impact in the long-term, so chewing a 5 calorie stick of sugar-free Extra® gum instead of reaching for high-calorie snacks can be an effective way to reduce calorie intake.

With 10 enjoyable flavors of Extra gum, there's something for everyone's taste! Go ahead, do the math-trading one stick of chewing gum at 5 calories for 2 chocolate chip cookies at 140 calories is a 135-calorie savings! And, calorie savings can add up - this savings could contribute to the 3,500 calorie deficit needed to lose a pound of weight.

Contestants on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" are chewing long-lasting Extra sugar-free gum to give them an edge over their competition. Research shows chewing gum before snacking may help control appetite and reduce cravings for sweet snacks.

An initial 2007 study published in Appetite [Download PDF] showed that chewing gum before snacking can help reduce hunger, diminish cravings for sweets, and decrease snack intake by 36 calories. The researchers suggest that chewing gum can suppress appetite, specifically for sweets, and reduce overall snack intake.¹ In a follow-up study with restrained eaters, people who restrict their food intake in order to lose or maintain a healthy weight, similar results were reported. The effect of chewing gum was to reduce snack intake by 25 calories; hunger and the desire to eat were significantly suppressed by chewing gum.² While more research is needed, these two studies demonstrate the potential role of chewing gum in controlling appetite and managing weight.

¹ Hetherington MM, Boyland E. "Short term effects of chewing gum on snack intake and appetite." Appetite. 2007; 48(3):397-401.

² Hetherington MM, Regan MF. Effect of chewing gum on short-term appetite control and reduced snack intake in moderately restrained eaters. Obesity. 2007; 15: 510-P

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HIGHLIGHT

Extra Gum Helps Control Cravings
for Sweet Snacks on NBC's "The Biggest Loser"

In the U.S., contestants on popular reality TV series, "The Biggest Loser" are encouraged to chew long-lasting Extra sugar-free gum, which can help reduce their cravings for sweet snacks and give them an edge over their competition.^1,2

¹ Hetherington MM, Boyland E. "Short term effects of chewing gum on snack intake and appetite." Appetite. 2007; 48(3):397-401.

² Hetherington MM, Regan MF. Effect of chewing gum on short-term appetite control and reduced snack intake in moderately restrained eaters. Obesity. 2007; 15: 510-P