What term describes the feeling of fullness after eating?

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Study for the University of Central Florida Human Nutrition Exam 2. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that refers to the feeling of fullness after eating is satiety. Satiety is the physiological state that occurs following food consumption, characterized by a reduction in the desire to eat. It signals the body that enough food has been consumed, leading to a temporary cessation of hunger. This feeling plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and can be influenced by various factors, including the volume and composition of foods consumed.

On the other hand, caloric surplus refers to consuming more calories than the body needs for maintenance, which can lead to weight gain. Ad libitum is a phrase meaning "at one’s pleasure" or "as much as desired," often describing eating behavior rather than a feeling of fullness. Satiation, while related, specifically refers to the process that occurs during a meal that leads to completion of eating, as opposed to the lingering feeling of fullness experienced after finishing a meal, which is better described by the term satiety.