(CNN) Should you chew gum if you're trying to lose weight?

Possibly, though you certainly don't have to start a gum habit if you don't already chew gum.

Here's the lowdown: Chewing a stick or two of gum won't magically help you shed pounds. Chewing certainly doesn't burn many calories, and it won't undo the calories you just packed away from, say, a large meal or a Thanksgiving feast. Still, for certain individuals, popping a piece of gum could be a helpful strategy when it comes to shedding pounds, especially if doing so helps you steer clear of midday snacking, nighttime nibbling or caving in on dessert.

"I think for some people, it could be a useful tool. ... Everyone has things that can possibly help them on their road to weight loss, and little behaviors like gum chewing can make a big difference for some," said Keri Gans, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of " The Small Change Diet ."

Gum chewing can be useful in two ways, according to Gans. For some, putting something sugary in their mouth after they've eaten can signal that the meal is over. "Some people need something sweet at the end of each meal and will search for dessert. If they pop a piece of chewing gum, maybe it can do the trick," she said. You'll also save the calories you might have otherwise consumed in an ice cream cone or piece of cake.

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