# Association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to growth differentiation factor-15 levels in older individuals in a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

Fast eating speed is linked to atherosclerosis in older individuals, but only when GDF-15 levels are high.

## Contribution

This study is the first to show a link between eating speed and atherosclerosis, mediated by GDF-15 levels.

## Key findings

- Fast eating speed was positively associated with atherosclerosis in individuals with high GDF-15 levels.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for thyroid function and metabolic factors.
- No significant association was found in individuals with low GDF-15 levels.

## Abstract

Although fast eating speed has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, no studies have reported an association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT). Rapid glucose ingestion is known to cause glucose spikes, which may accelerate atherogenesis and increase levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Therefore, GDF-15 levels may influence the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis. To evaluate the association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to GDF-15, this cross-sectional study analyzed 742 Japanese aged 60–69 years. They were required to have normal thyroid hormone levels, because both GDF-15 levels and atherosclerosis (CIMT ≥ 1.1 mm) can be influenced by thyroid dysfunction. Participants were stratified by the median GDF-15 level. A significant positive association was observed between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis, but only among participants with a high GDF-15 level: the sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.95 (1.09, 3.48) in participants with a high GDF-15 level, and 0.83 (0.37, 1.88) in those with a low GDF-15 level. This association remained even after further adjustment for thyroid function and metabolic factors. Serum concentrations of GDF-15 may mediate the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis.