Chew and spit: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
 
CSV import
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Chew and Spit (CHSP or CS)''' is a compensatory behavior associated with several [[eating disorders]] that involves the chewing of food and spitting it out before swallowing, often as an attempt to avoid [[ingestion]] of unwanted or unnecessary calories. CS can be used as a way to taste food viewed as “forbidden” or unhealthy. Individuals who partake in CS typically have an increased desire for [[thinness]], increased lack of control (LOC) and body dissatisfaction. CS can serve different functions such as replacing vomiting and/or binging or as an additional behavior to many eating disorders.
{{Short description|Eating disorder characterized by chewing food and spitting it out without swallowing}}


CS and like behaviors has been found in several different eating disorders, making it difficult to find a treatment that works as a cure-all. There has been no defined treatment of CS as of now; however, [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT) has been shown to reduce negative behaviors involved in eating disorders such as [[bulimia nervosa]], [[anorexia nervosa]] and many others.
'''Chew and spit''' (often abbreviated as '''CHSP''') is a disordered eating behavior where an individual chews food and then spits it out without swallowing. This behavior is often associated with eating disorders such as [[anorexia nervosa]] and [[bulimia nervosa]], but it can also occur independently. Individuals who engage in chew and spit may do so to experience the taste of food without ingesting calories.


A recent [[Systematic Reviews (journal)|systematic review]] on the topic, revealed seven themes identified in scholarly articles.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mitchell|first=J. E.|last2=Pyle|first2=R.|last3=Hatsukami|first3=D.|last4=Eckert|first4=E.|date=1988-01-01|title=Chewing and spitting out food as a clinical feature of bulimia|journal=Psychosomatics|volume=29|issue=1|pages=81–84|doi=10.1016/S0033-3182(88)72425-1|issn=0033-3182|pmid=3340710}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Smith|first=G. R.|last2=Ross|first2=R. L.|date=1989-01-01|title=Chewing and spitting associated with a protein sparing modified fast and psychosocial stressors|journal=Psychosomatics|volume=30|issue=2|pages=224–226|issn=0033-3182|pmid=2710922|doi=10.1016/S0033-3182(89)72305-7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Song|first=Youn Joo|last2=Lee|first2=Jung-Hyun|last3=Jung|first3=Young-Chul|date=2015-10-01|title=Chewing and spitting out food as a compensatory behavior in patients with eating disorders|journal=Comprehensive Psychiatry|volume=62|pages=147–151|doi=10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.07.010|issn=1532-8384|pmid=26343479}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Durkin|first=Nora E.|last2=Swanson|first2=Sonja A.|last3=Crow|first3=Scott J.|last4=Mitchell|first4=James|last5=Peterson|first5=Carol B.|last6=Crosby|first6=Ross|date=2014-01-01|title=Re-examination of chewing and spitting behavior: characteristics within and across eating disorder diagnoses|journal=Eating and Weight Disorders: EWD|volume=19|issue=3|pages=315–320|doi=10.1007/s40519-013-0090-3|issn=1590-1262|pmid=24357336}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=De Zwaan|first=M.|date=1997-01-01|title=Chewing and spitting out food in eating disorder|journal=International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice|volume=1|issue=1|pages=37–38|doi=10.3109/13651509709069203|issn=1365-1501|pmid=24926979}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=McCutcheon|first=R.|last2=Nolan|first2=A.|date=1995-03-01|title=Chewing and spitting out food--a neglected symptom?|journal=The International Journal of Eating Disorders|volume=17|issue=2|pages=197–200|issn=0276-3478|pmid=7757102|doi=10.1002/1098-108X(199503)17:2<197::AID-EAT2260170214>3.0.CO;2-Q}}</ref>
==Characteristics==
Chew and spit involves placing food in the mouth, chewing it to enjoy the taste and texture, and then spitting it out before swallowing. This behavior allows individuals to experience the pleasure of eating without the perceived negative consequences of weight gain. It is often done in secret and can become a compulsive habit.


These themes include having potential markers of [[eating disorder]] severity (regardless of length of illness contributing to age discrimination. Individuals suffering from CS also showed increased Loss of Control (LOC), [[Pathology|Pathological]] eating, negative emotions and feelings, and [[Body dysmorphic disorder|Body image distortion]]. CS sufferers may also be trans-diagnostic (i.e. appears in individuals who have been diagnosed with all or any type of clinical or [[Asymptomatic|sub-clinical]] eating disorder)
==Psychological Aspects==
The psychological motivations behind chew and spit can vary. For some, it is a way to cope with [[anxiety]] or [[stress]] related to food and body image. It may also be a method to exert control over food intake. Individuals may feel guilt or shame about this behavior, which can contribute to a cycle of secrecy and isolation.


==Consequences and treatments==
==Health Implications==
Chew and Spit is often associated with and may be a potential gateway to more severe dieting behaviors. Individuals who use CS as a compensatory behavior are more likely to be [[diagnosed]] or develop eating disorders. The likelihood is dependent upon the severity of food obsession present. Treatments to eliminate the behavior of chewing and spiting have not yet been developed. However, given the correlation with eating disorders, research suggest treatments that are used for eating disorders such as, [[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy]], may also be effective for eliminating Chewing and Spitting behaviors.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kovacs |first1=Dora |last2=Mahon |first2=Jennifer |last3=Palmer |first3=Robert L. |title=Chewing and spitting out food among eating-disordered patients |journal=International Journal of Eating Disorders |date=1 July 2002 |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=112–115 |doi=10.1002/eat.10073 |pmid=12183939 |language=en |issn=1098-108X}}</ref>
While chew and spit may seem like a harmless way to avoid calories, it can have several negative health effects. The act of chewing food stimulates the production of [[saliva]] and digestive enzymes, which can lead to [[dental erosion]] and [[tooth decay]] if food is frequently spat out. Additionally, the behavior can disrupt normal [[digestive processes]] and lead to [[gastrointestinal issues]].


==Frequency and tendency==
==Social and Emotional Impact==
Throughout studies relating to Chew and Spit, it was seen that 34% of individuals with eating disorders partake in CS. This includes all eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and more. It has also been found that younger individuals are more likely to participate in CS. While younger individuals are more likely to develop CS, this does not determine [[personality]] or activity outside of eating behaviors. Overall, CS contributes to body dissatisfaction while body dissatisfaction contributes to CS.<ref name="Guarda">{{cite journal |last1=Guarda |first1=Angela |last2=Coughlin |first2=Janelle |last3=Cummings |first3=Molly |last4=Marinilli |first4=Angela |last5=Haug |first5=Nancy |last6=Boucher |first6=Michael |last7=Heinberg |first7=Leslie |title=Chewing and spitting in eating disorders and its relationship to binge eating |journal=Eating Behaviors |date=1 July 2004 |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=231–239 |doi=10.1016/j.eatbeh.2004.01.001 |pmid=15135335 |language=en |issn=1471-0153}}</ref> CS has also been seen to occur in episodes, rather than consistently. These episodes have been seen to be days to weeks long.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Makhzoumi |first1=Saniha |last2=Guarda |first2=Angela |last3=Schreyer |first3=Colleen |last4=Reinblatt |first4=Shauna |last5=Redgrave |first5=Graham |last6=Coughlin |first6=Janelle |title=Chewing and spitting: A marker of psychopathology and behavioral severity in inpatients with an eating disorder |journal=Eating Behaviors |date=1 April 2015 |volume=17 |pages=59–61 |doi=10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.12.012 |pmid=25580013 |language=en |issn=1471-0153}}</ref>
Engaging in chew and spit can have significant social and emotional consequences. Individuals may avoid eating in social settings to hide their behavior, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The secrecy and shame associated with chew and spit can also contribute to [[depression]] and [[anxiety]].


==Research==
==Treatment and Support==
Chew and Spit has not received much attention in the research industry regarding treatment, [[long term]] effects of chewing and spitting, and its associations with other behaviors and eating disorders. More research is needed on his topic to further understand the effect this behavior has on individuals [[physically]] and [[psychologically]].
Treatment for chew and spit typically involves addressing the underlying psychological issues and developing healthier eating habits. [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT) is often used to help individuals change their thought patterns and behaviors related to food. Support from [[mental health professionals]], [[nutritionists]], and [[support groups]] can also be beneficial.


==References==
==Related pages==
{{reflist}}
* [[Eating disorder]]
* [[Anorexia nervosa]]
* [[Bulimia nervosa]]
* [[Binge eating disorder]]
* [[Orthorexia]]


[[Category:Abnormal psychology]]
[[Category:Diets]]
[[Category:Eating behaviors of humans]]
[[Category:Eating disorders]]
[[Category:Eating disorders]]
[[Category:Obesity]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 19:22, 22 March 2025

Eating disorder characterized by chewing food and spitting it out without swallowing


Chew and spit (often abbreviated as CHSP) is a disordered eating behavior where an individual chews food and then spits it out without swallowing. This behavior is often associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but it can also occur independently. Individuals who engage in chew and spit may do so to experience the taste of food without ingesting calories.

Characteristics[edit]

Chew and spit involves placing food in the mouth, chewing it to enjoy the taste and texture, and then spitting it out before swallowing. This behavior allows individuals to experience the pleasure of eating without the perceived negative consequences of weight gain. It is often done in secret and can become a compulsive habit.

Psychological Aspects[edit]

The psychological motivations behind chew and spit can vary. For some, it is a way to cope with anxiety or stress related to food and body image. It may also be a method to exert control over food intake. Individuals may feel guilt or shame about this behavior, which can contribute to a cycle of secrecy and isolation.

Health Implications[edit]

While chew and spit may seem like a harmless way to avoid calories, it can have several negative health effects. The act of chewing food stimulates the production of saliva and digestive enzymes, which can lead to dental erosion and tooth decay if food is frequently spat out. Additionally, the behavior can disrupt normal digestive processes and lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Social and Emotional Impact[edit]

Engaging in chew and spit can have significant social and emotional consequences. Individuals may avoid eating in social settings to hide their behavior, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The secrecy and shame associated with chew and spit can also contribute to depression and anxiety.

Treatment and Support[edit]

Treatment for chew and spit typically involves addressing the underlying psychological issues and developing healthier eating habits. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals change their thought patterns and behaviors related to food. Support from mental health professionals, nutritionists, and support groups can also be beneficial.

Related pages[edit]