To discuss the importance associated with eating together for the Japanese population based on recent research evidence, we conducted a systematic review on eating together and eating alone in relation to health, diet, and lifestyle. In this review, we defined "eating together" as eating meals together with other people, not limited to family members but friends, relatives, or neighbors. Articles published between 2000 and 2018 were accessed using domestic and international databases (Igaku Chuo Zasshi, CiNii, J-STAGE, PubMed, Scopus, and Eric). After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 62 articles matching the criteria were included in the review. Most articles were cross-sectional studies. Target populations included preschool children (n=8), school-aged children through university students (n=34), and adults and the elderly (n=20). Although definitions of "eating together" differed by the studies, the most used indicator was "frequency of eating together," with whom eating meals together being "family," and the targeted meals were "breakfast and dinner." Having either eating together occasions or few eating alone chances were more likely to associate with better quality of life, subjective health, food intake and balanced diet, dietary behavior, and life rhythm across the life course.
Keywords: eating alone; eating together; family; health; life course.