Satiety - early

Definition

Satiety is the satisfied feeling of being full after eating. Early satiety is feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual.

Alternative Names

Abdominal fullness prematurely after meals

Causes

Causes may include:

Home Care

Follow your health care provider's advice.

  • A liquid diet may be helpful.
  • You may need to keep a detailed diet log. This is a place where you write down what you eat, how much, and when.
  • You may be more comfortable if you eat small, frequent meals rather than big meals.
  • A diet high in fat or high in fiber may worsen the feeling.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

  • The feeling lasts for days to weeks and does not get better.
  • You lose weight without trying.
  • You have dark stools.
  • You have nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or bloating.
  • You have fever and chills.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will examine you and ask questions such as:

  • When did this symptom begin?
  • How long does each episode last?
  • What foods, if any, make the symptoms worse?
  • What other symptoms do you have (for example, vomiting, excessive gas, abdominal pain, or weight loss)?

Tests that may be performed include:

References

Koch KL. Gastric neuromuscular function and neuromuscular disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 50.

Szabo C, Tantawy H. Diseases of the gastrointestinal system. In: Hines RL, Jones SB, eds. Stoelting's Anesthesia and Co-Existing Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 17.

Review Date: 8/7/2023
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com