Phantom Fullness: A Full Belly Without Actually Being Full

We’re familiar with phantom pain, but researchers have now discovered that phantom fullness from eating really exists too.

During a study – published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – fifteen people were first given a watery shake and then a thick, creamy shake. The watery version contained more calories. But what did they find? People reported feeling full for longer after drinking the thick shake, even though it contained fewer calories. The feeling of fullness was also clearly observed on an MRI scan of the brain.

The researchers concluded that phantom fullness really does exist. Good to know the next time you want to curb your hunger: drink a thick smoothie.

Text: Nora van den Heuvel