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Chicago — Chewing sugarfree gum before and after meals can aid in decreasing calorie intake, according to research supported by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.

Participants in the study, conducted at the University of Rhode Island through a grant from the Wrigley Science Institute, consumed up to 68 fewer calories at lunch and reported feeling less hungry after chewing sugarfree gum prior to eating. In addition, chewing gum after a meal was found to increase energy by an average of five percent.

According to Wrigley spokesperson Lauren Salah, the findings add to an existing body of research that supports how the mechanism of gum chewing contributes to curbing hunger.

“The researchers offered various flavors of top-selling Wrigley sugarfree gum brands,” she said, “including Extra and Orbit, which contain only five calories per piece — ideal choices for someone trying to control his or her appetite.”