Patients with anorexia nervosa likely feel prematurely full because of which one?

The feeling of premature fullness in patients with anorexia nervosa is largely attributed to neurochemical changes in the brain. Individuals with this eating disorder often experience alterations in neurotransmitter systems that regulate hunger, satiety, and reward pathways. These neurochemical imbalances can lead to a disconnection between physiological hunger cues and psychological perceptions of fullness, making patients feel full more quickly than they ordinarily would.

In the context of anorexia nervosa, these changes might include increased levels of serotonin, which is known to affect appetite regulation and can lead to heightened feelings of fullness. Additionally, the psychological components of the disorder, such as anxiety and distorted body image, may further exacerbate these feelings, reinforcing the perception of premature satiety.

In contrast, slowed digestion and stomach emptying, while they can contribute to feelings of fullness, are not the primary reason in the context of anorexia nervosa. Increased cortisol levels associated with stress might impact appetite in some individuals, but they are not directly linked to the sensation of early fullness specific to this disorder. Lastly, high levels of circulating leptin, a hormone involved in regulating energy balance and hunger, are often found in some individuals with obesity and are not typically elevated in patients with anorexia nervosa, where levels may