Gastric distension by balloon and test-meal intake in obese and lean subjects

A study was conducted to determine the effects of various levels of gastric distension on spontaneous meal intake. A balloon was inserted into the stomach of four lean and four obese subjects before consumption of a lunch meal. On different days the balloon was filled with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mL water in a random sequence. As balloon volume increased, food intake decreased, with a balloon volume of ≥ 400 mL significantly reducing intake (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between lean and obese subjects. Because gastric emptying rate was not significantly slowed by a volume of 800 mL, between emptying was probably not a factor in inducing satiety. Discomfort was probably also not a factor because it was experienced by only two lean subjects at 800 mL. Most likely gastric distension itself triggered satiety signals.