How Do I Know if I Need Help for Chewing and Spitting Disorder?

Some people will chew food and spit it out before swallowing as a way to manage weight. 

But while the practice sounds like a way to have it all—and is sometimes pitched as a “dieting tip”—it can actually be a cause for concern for a number of reasons.

What is Chewing and Spitting Disorder?

As its name implies, chewing and spitting behavior (CHSP) is characterized by chewing food and then spitting it out without swallowing. The concept is to enjoy the flavor of something—usually rich, highly palatable foods—without taking on the calories.

Yet, even if the behavior starts as an attempt to manage weight, it’s possible for this habit to become compulsive after some time, potentially contributing to the development of other disordered eating patterns.

Causes of CHSP

Like many unhelpful thoughts and behaviors around food and eating, CHSP can be tied to a number of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Depression

Some people may chew their food a specific number of times before spitting it out, which could be an expression of some of these conditions, especially certain anxiety disorders.
Low self-esteem and negative body image may also play a role in maintaining this behavior. Still, experts have yet to name a specific cause of CHSP.

How Common Is CHSP?

Regardless of its potentially harmful implications, CHSP is sometimes advertised as a “dieting tip.” Some bloggers or influencers may promote the idea as a “way to have it all,” while the internet is filled with questions about how to start using CHSP.

And that high visibility can have an impact. More than 12% of teenagers in one study reported at least trying chewing and spitting behavior.¹

Still, those who had tried CHSP also tended to score higher for psychological distress, which may implicate deeper concerns at play.¹

Experts are split on how exactly to define this behavior. Some believe CHSP constitutes its own eating disorder, while others think it represents a symptom of other disordered eating conditions.

CHSP as a Disorder 

At least when it comes to official recognition, chewing and spitting behavior isn’t technically a disorder. The condition doesn’t appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the official record of all recognized mental health disorders.

Spitting and chewing was initially thought of as a form of purging and was studied among people who struggle with bulimia nervosa. An earlier version of the DSM listed CHSP as a symptom of a group of disordered eating patterns referred to as eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).² This has since been removed and is not listed in the current edition of the text.

Still, some experts argue that the behavior should be re-introduced to the official record. Eliminating it, they claim, could allow doctors to miss some of these behaviors and lead to prolonged difficulties for people who struggle with CHSP.³

CHSP as a Symptom

Many researchers maintain that chewing and spitting isn’t a disorder in itself but rather a symptom of other eating disorders.

One study found that nearly 25% of people with diagnosable eating disorders have used chewing and spitting as compensatory behavior.⁴ Another scientific review concluded that CHSP was a potential indicator of worsening disordered eating behavior.²

Rather than designate CHSP as  its own disorder, these professionals liken it to other common eating disorder symptoms, including:

• Using laxatives
• Restricting food intake
• Exercising excessively

Side Effects of Chewing & Spitting Out Food

While experts aren’t quite sure how to define chewing and spitting behavior, they agree that the idea is a problematic one. 

Malnourishment

Malnourishment is one potential side effect, as spitting food out prevents the body from absorbing needed nutrients. But CHSP has also been tied to weight gain, likely due to overeating that occurs to make up for the behavior.

Stomach Issues

People who partake in chewing and spitting are also at risk of stomach problems. When you chew food, your body releases stomach acids to prepare for digestion. Chewing and spitting means releasing acid into an empty stomach, often leading to stomach ulcers or other complications.

Other Side Effects

Swollen salivary glands, tooth decay, cavities, and hormonal imbalances are also serious potential side effects of CHSP.

What to Do About Compulsive Spitting

If you are chewing and spitting, it could be an indicator of deeper concerns. 

These behaviors are often tied to or help uphold other mental health conditions or disordered eating patterns, which can be harmful to your mind and body, especially long-term.

Seeking help for the condition can help address not just chewing and spitting behaviors but any other underlying or interconnected issues that may be going on.
Therapy can help you address any unhelpful thoughts you may be experiencing and help you take your first steps on the road to recovery.

Chewing & Spitting Disorder FAQs

If you or a loved one are struggling with chewing and spitting behaviors, you may have some questions about the condition or what to do.

Does chewing and spitting lead to insulin resistance?

Many people participating in diet forums ask this question. 

When tasting sweet food, as often happens when participating in chewing and spitting, the body may release small amounts of insulin. However, it’s unclear whether this alone leads to insulin resistance.

It’s more likely that insulin resistance could build up from skipping meals or eating one large meal a day—which may or may not happen in conjunction with spitting and chewing.⁵

Does chewing and spitting cause weight loss?

It depends. People who restrict their intake through CHSP may see some weight loss, especially in the short term. But the behavior has also been tied to cycles of binging and purging or overeating, which could lead to weight gain.

Does chewing and spitting out food cause weight gain?

Chewing and spitting doesn’t directly lead to weight gain. The action may even result in weight loss at first.

But CHSP has also been connected to weight gain, as it’s been linked to cycles of binging and purging or instances of overeating.

Are calories absorbed in the mouth?

Some calories may be absorbed in the mouth, though most are typically taken in later in the digestive process. It depends on the type of food you’re eating, how long it’s in your mouth, and how much you may swallow.

If I chew food but don’t swallow, do I have an eating disorder?

If you regularly engage in chewing and spitting behaviors, it may be a sign of an eating disorder. Speaking with a trained therapist could help you understand these behaviors and help you form healthier habits.

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Published December 16, 2024.