Associations of gastric volumes, ingestive behavior, calorie and volume intake, and fullness in obesity

Whereas gastric emptying significantly predicts calorie intake, the association between gastric capacity and satiation and satiety is unclear. To study the associations between gastric volumes and ingestive behaviors with satiation and satiety in obesity, 62 healthy adult obese patients (57 female) with no eating disorders underwent measurements of satiety, as determined by kilocalories of ingestion at a buffet meal, and satiation by volume to comfortable fullness (VTF) and maximum tolerated volume (MTV), while drinking Ensure (30 mL/min). Fasting and postprandial gastric volumes were measured by validated single-photon emission computed tomography. We also measured eating [Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire score (WEL)] and exercise behaviors associated with obesity. Spearman correlation-assessed relationships of measured traits and linear regression analysis to identify predictors of satiation or satiety. The participants were aged 38 ± 10.1 yr and the body mass index (BMI) 36.8 ± 4.8 kg/m². Fasting gastric volume was significantly correlated with VTF (r_s = 0.3, P = 0.03), but not with MTV or buffet meal kilocalorie ingestion. Regression analysis identified sex (P = 0.02, with males having significantly higher fasting gastric volume) and fasting gastric volume (0.04) as predictors of higher VTF. An increase in fasting gastric volume of 50 mL resulted in a 6-mL increase in VTF. Buffet meal intake was inversely related to the ability to resist the urge to eat; factors associated with ingestive behavior (increase in total WEL score) significantly correlated with satiety and gastric accommodation (P < 0.05). Gastric capacity during fasting is associated with calorie intake to the point of comfortable fullness; factors associated with ingestive behavior are associated with satiety and gastric accommodation.