Abstract This study aimed to determine whether there might be differences in masticatory performance and eating behaviors by gender and obesity status. Forty eight (24 males; 24 females) non-obese and pre-obese young adults were matched for age, gender, and dental health. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and chewing performance while eating 152 g of boiled rice was measured using electromyography (EMG). Compared with non-obese participants, pre-obese participants had significantly higher levels of disinhibition according to the TFEQ (P < 0.05 for males; P < 0.01 for females). Microstructures of chewing performance were significantly different by gender but not by obesity status. Males had a greater bite size (P < 0.05), greater chewing power (P < 0.001) and a faster eating rate (P < 0.05) than females. Females habitually chewed more (P < 0.05) and had a longer meal duration (P < 0.01) than males. Eating rate was positively associated with disinhibition ( r = 0.490, P < 0.05) score in males. Bite size ( r = − 0.449, P < 0.05 for non-obese) and chewing power ( r = − 0.581, P < 0.01 for non-obese and r = − 0.446, P < 0.05 for pre-obese) were negatively associated with disinhibition score. Results suggest that the effects of gender and, in part, obesity on eating responses may be explained as chewing performance. Therefore, gender-specific interventions and counseling aimed at slowing the rate of ingestion could be promising behavioral treatments for obese persons.