Which description best describes fats in relation to fullness?

• A. They provide no energy
• B. They help you feel full for several hours after eating them
• C. They provide energy only during rest
• D. They have no effect on fullness

Answer: (B)

Fats help you feel fuller longer because they slow digestion and trigger satiety signals. When fat is present in a meal, it slows gastric emptying, so the stomach stays distended for a longer period. Fatty acids also stimulate hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY), and GLP-1, which communicate with the brain to reduce hunger. This combination keeps you satisfied for several hours after eating fat-containing foods.

Note that fats do provide energy (about 9 kcal/g) and aren’t limited to resting energy, and they do influence fullness, so the other statements don’t fit.