American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 20, 253-261, Copyright © 1967 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Hunger and Satiety Sensations in Men, Women, Boys, and Girls

¹ From Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts

This paper presents the results of a study in which 603 adolescents and adults of both sexes describe their subjective experiences of hunger and satiety. A multiple-choice questionnaire was used to collect this information. It was found that, in addition to specific gastric sensations, diffuse elements of restlessness and excitability seem salient in the hunger experience. Males appear to experience hunger in a more specific physical way than females whose experience seems more diffuse and cerebral. This sex difference is more marked among adults than among adolescents. Just before the meal, there appears to be an abrupt increase in mouth and throat sensations, urge to eat, and moods of cheerfulness and excitement. After a few bites of food at the meal, the affective quality of physical sensations seems to change from unpleasant to pleasant. In contrast to the many and diverse sensations of hunger, only vague sensations of gastric bulk and feelings of satisfaction and relaxation seem to be the major sensations experienced during satiety. Adolescents describe satiety as more intensely gastric than adults and seem to continue to feel mild hunger sensations longer after the meal than adults. Diffuse feelings of warmth and relaxation seem more salient elements in satiety among adults.

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