What should I do if I don't feel full after eating?
Apr 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
In general, the lack of a feeling of fullness may be related to non-disease factors such as insufficient food intake or eating too quickly, or it may be associated with medical conditions such as indigestion, hyperthyroidism, and chronic gastritis. Targeted treatments can be applied accordingly. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are necessary. In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate rest can help support stomach health.
Generally, the lack of a feeling of fullness may be related to non-disease factors such as insufficient food intake or eating too quickly, or it may be associated with medical conditions such as indigestion and chronic gastritis. Targeted measures can be taken accordingly.
I. Non-disease Factors
1. Insufficient food intake: If the amount of food consumed is inadequate, it may lead to hunger and a lack of satiety. The body requires sufficient calories and nutrients to meet its energy needs; when intake is insufficient, a feeling of fullness may not occur. Increasing food intake appropriately can enhance the sensation of fullness.
2. Eating too quickly: Rapid eating and inadequate chewing may prevent food from being properly broken down, affecting the digestive process in the stomach. This could lead to food accumulation in the stomach, creating a false sense of fullness. It is recommended to slow down the eating pace and chew food thoroughly, which can help improve this condition.
II. Disease-related Factors
1. Indigestion: Indigestion may cause food to remain in the stomach for prolonged periods or prevent proper breakdown and absorption, resulting in a lack of satiety. It may be related to excessive or insufficient gastric acid, or impaired gastric motility. Digestive aids such as Baohe Wan (Preserved Harmony Pills) or Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets (Digestive Health Tablets) may be used under a doctor’s guidance.
2. Hyperthyroidism: This condition involves excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, which may accelerate food digestion, making it difficult to feel full. Medications such as Propylthiouracil Tablets, Carbimazole Tablets, or Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets—used to suppress thyroid hormone production—may be prescribed under medical supervision.
3. Chronic gastritis: Often accompanied by symptoms like poor appetite and indigestion, chronic gastritis may damage the gastric mucosa, impairing gastric acid secretion and digestive function, thereby contributing to a lack of fullness. Treatments may include medications such as Compound Rennet Capsules or Potassium Citrate Bismuth Tablets to reduce gastric acid, as advised by a physician.
If discomfort in the stomach occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended. In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate rest can support stomach health.
