Going up in the number of teeth on the rear sprocket is done to allow the bike to get to top speed faster (better acceleration). It will also lower the bike's top speed somewhat. And at 55 mph the engine will now be turning more rpms than it was with the smaller sprocket. Obviously, more rpms means more gas consumed.
I don't think that is what you want.
If you go with a smaller rear sprocket, you will accelerate a little more slowly, you should gain a little on top speed and you engine will be turning fewer rpms at 55 mph (or what ever speed). I think that is what you want.
Instead of messing with rear sprocket though, you can change the front cheaper and easier (usually).
The rules I just gave you are just the opposite though, if you change the front instead if the rear. Smaller front, less top end, more acceleration, worse mpg, Bigger front, more top speed, less acceleration.......you get the idea.