Objective:

To analyze the relationship between the duration and structure of eating events.

Methodology:

Bivariate statistical analysis and hierarchical regression models in two levels using the Adult Commensality Survey of the Metropolitan Region (Chile, 2016).

Results:

It was identified that individual characteristics do not have a significant association over the duration of food events, while the intrinsic characteristics of their structure do have an influence.

Limitations:

The duration of food events is self-reported. In addition, the research is transversal and does not allow seeing the changes over time, and its results can only be extrapolated to the food events that occur in the winter and spring seasons

Conclusion:

Respecting the social norms that regulate food can lead to longer food events because compliance implies respecting social conventions that take more time.