Fat doesn’t make obese men feel as full or eat less as it does in lean men, meaning their bodies respond differently to fatty foods.

Scientific Claim

Obese men appear less sensitive to the satiating effects of fat compared to lean men, as fat-rich meals did not reduce energy intake as effectively in obese individuals.

Original Statement

“In conclusion... obese individuals appear to be less sensitive to the satiating effects of fat.”

From study:Effects of fat, protein, and carbohydrate and protein load on appetite, plasma cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin, and energy intake in lean and obese men.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design cannot support claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

Based on abstract only - full methodology not available to verify. The conclusion uses definitive language ('appear less sensitive') without confirmed causal design, so it should be framed as an observed association.

More Accurate Statement

“Obese men appear to have a weaker association between high-fat meal consumption and reduced energy intake compared to lean men, suggesting reduced sensitivity to the satiating effects of fat.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Effects of fat, protein, and carbohydrate and protein load on appetite, plasma cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin, and energy intake in lean and obese men.

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2012 Jul

The study found that when obese men ate fatty meals, they still felt hungry and ate more later, while lean men felt fuller and ate less—meaning fat doesn’t make obese men feel as full as it does lean men.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Effects of fat, protein, and carbohydrate and protein load on appetite, plasma cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin, and energy intake in lean and obese men.

Score: 27

DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00478.2011

Similar Assertions

When lean men eat meals with more fat or protein instead of lots of carbs, they feel less hungry, fuller longer, and end up eating less food later.

75%

Even small changes in how much protein is in a meal — not huge amounts — can help people feel fuller and eat less, whether they’re lean or obese.

73%

Even when men ate the same number of total calories, those who ate fewer meals were still more likely to be obese, meaning it’s not just about how much they eat, but when and how often.

72%

Obese men feel less hungry after eating high-protein meals and eat less afterward when they eat meals with more protein, no matter if it's high-protein or just enough protein.

71%