Which factors are key determinants of satiation?

Meal size and meal duration are key determinants of satiation because they directly influence how full a person feels after eating. A larger meal typically provides a greater volume of food, which can lead to increased distension of the stomach and a stronger signal to the brain that enough food has been consumed. This physiological response is closely tied to the body's appetite regulation mechanisms, which trigger feelings of fullness or satiety.

In addition, meal duration affects satiation because the longer a meal takes, the more time there is for hormonal and neural signaling systems to communicate the feeling of fullness to the individual. Eating slowly can enhance the experience of satiety, allowing more time for the body to process and react to the food intake.

Other factors like caloric density and nutrient balance, while important for overall nutrition and weight management, do not directly determine how satiated an individual feels at the moment of eating. Similarly, personal preferences and psychological states can influence food choices and overall caloric intake, but they are not primary determinants of the immediate feeling of fullness that occurs after a meal. Consequently, the focus on meal size and duration provides a more direct connection to how satiation is experienced during and after eating.