Approximately how long does it take for the brain to register satiety signals originating from the stomach?
Answer
About 20 minutes
The process of achieving comfortable fullness is tied to the time it takes for hormonal and neurological signals to travel from the digestive system to the brain. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the brain to fully register these satiety signals that indicate adequate food intake has occurred. This biological delay underscores why mindful eating—paying full attention to the experience of consuming food—is essential. When one eats slowly and with focus, they allow this 20-minute window to pass, enabling them to honor the principle of stopping consumption when comfortably full, thereby preventing unintentional overconsumption that often results from rushed, distracted eating.

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