Final answer:
Satiation is the lack of hunger that one feels after eating, resulting from a combination of physiological cues like increased blood glucose, gastrointestinal signals, and the release of leptin from fat cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensation of not feeling hunger after eating a meal is known as satiation. This feeling is a biological response to food intake and is controlled by complex physiological processes. As we consume food, our blood glucose levels rise, and this is sensed by the pancreas and liver, which then relay signals that suppress the feeling of hunger. Concurrently, the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract sends satiety signals to the brain.
Additionally, fat cells contribute to this sensation by releasing the hormone leptin, which promotes a feeling of fullness. It's important to eat to the point of satisfaction, rather than until you are "stuffed," which can prevent overeating. Eating smaller, frequent meals throughout the day can assist in maintaining steady satiation and avoid the potential for overeating that is associated with large meals spaced far apart. Notably, feelings of fullness typically set in about 20 minutes after beginning to eat, as the stomach and intestines send fullness signals to the brain.