From the Guidelines
Early satiety, or feeling full when chewing, is most likely caused by gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia, which can be related to delayed gastric emptying, particularly in patients with diabetes or those who have undergone certain types of surgery, as suggested by studies such as 1 and 1. The sensation of early satiety can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Delayed gastric emptying, which can lead to rapid fluid shifts and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal fullness, as described in 1 and 1.
- Functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, which can include symptoms of early satiety, nausea, and postprandial fullness/bloating, as mentioned in 1 and 1.
- Dumping syndrome, a common complication of esophageal, gastric, or bariatric surgery, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, as discussed in 1, 1, and 1. To address early satiety, patients may try:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, as suggested by 1.
- Avoiding rapidly absorbed carbohydrates and liquids before and after meals to prevent rapid fluid shifts, as recommended in 1.
- Trying prokinetic agents or other medications to manage symptoms of gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia, as mentioned in 1. It is essential to note that the management of early satiety should be individualized, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment, as emphasized in 1 and 1.
From the Research
Causes of Early Satiety
- Early satiety can be caused by various factors, including gastroparesis, a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying of solid food 2.
- Functional dyspepsia (FD) is another condition that can lead to early satiety, with pathophysiological mechanisms underlying FD including delayed gastric emptying, impaired gastric accommodation to a meal, and hypersensitivity to gastric distension 3.
- Certain foods and dietary habits can also trigger symptoms of early satiety in patients with functional dyspepsia, such as broccoli, radish, celery, green olives, and olive oil consumption 4.
- Gastrointestinal satiety signals, such as cholecystokinin (CCK), can also influence food intake and contribute to early satiety 5.
Underlying Mechanisms
- Delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric accommodation can lead to early satiety, as the stomach takes longer to empty and does not accommodate food properly 2, 3.
- Hypersensitivity to gastric distension and altered duodenal sensitivity to lipids or acids can also contribute to early satiety 3.
- The administration of exogenous satiety signals, such as CCK, can cause smaller meals to be consumed, while blocking the action of endogenous satiety signals can cause larger meals to be consumed 5.
Related Conditions
- Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are two conditions that can cause early satiety, with overlapping symptoms and similar pathophysiological mechanisms 2, 3.
- Post-Prandial Distress Syndrome (PDS) and Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS) are two subgroups of functional dyspepsia that can also lead to early satiety 6.