Understanding Early Satiety: Is It a Concern for My Health?
I’m posting anonymously for privacy reasons. I’m a 17-year-old female, approximately 5’8” tall, and I weigh around 210 pounds (I used to weigh close to 220). Weight loss has been a recent development, correlated with some noticeable changes in my appetite. I’ve been prescribed various medications including antipsychotics, Lamictal, and lithium. My diagnoses include bipolar disorder type 1 and borderline personality disorder. Stomach issues haven’t been a problem for me, apart from a gallbladder removal in 2023. I don’t currently have my menstrual cycle, as I use the NuvaRing for birth control. Additionally, I consume alcohol occasionally, vape both nicotine and THC, and occasionally take over-the-counter medications for recreational use (I can specify if needed). Historically, I had a huge appetite. I was known in my family for finishing everyone’s meals, often ordering multiple items at fast food joints and snacking frequently at home. My weight gain stemmed from this. Thankfully, my active job has helped me avoid being severely obese since I’m on my feet most of the day. However, in the past month, my ability to eat has significantly changed. During the summer, I work daily and usually drink a bottle of Gatorade in the morning since I don’t tend to eat breakfast. If I skip the beverage, I often feel dizzy or nauseous at work. For lunch, I might have some chips or another Gatorade, but by evening, I typically consume one meal. For instance, today I had one slice of pizza, an amount that used to be just a small fraction of what I would typically eat, yet afterward, I felt uncomfortably full for hours. Previously, I might devour a large order of fries, mac and cheese, and 12 chicken nuggets but I found myself feeling ill after just eight nuggets and a cup of mac and cheese recently. This pattern continues—my portion sizes are drastically smaller, and even the little I manage to eat leaves me nauseated for an extended period. Is this adjustment simply part of becoming more typical in my eating habits? I can’t grasp the reason behind it since I haven’t attempted to limit my food intake purposely. While I haven’t been on my medications for a couple of months, typically those I’ve been prescribed enhance my appetite rather than diminish it. This shift is concerning, as early satiety and reduced food consumption can indicate various health issues. I’m hesitant to seek medical advice at this moment, as I anticipate the focus would be on my mental health and the possibility of returning to medication, which I don’t believe I need. Should I consider consulting a doctor, or is this just my metabolism stabilizing? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 1:01:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing early satiety (feeling full after eating very little) can be concerning, especially when it represents a significant change in your eating habits. Since you've mentioned a history of high appetite and weight loss, it's important to carefully evaluate this change.
Explanation
There are several potential causes for early satiety:
- Medications: Although you mentioned that your medications typically increase appetite, changes in how your body metabolizes them after stopping may also play a role.
- Gallbladder Removal: This surgery can lead to changes in digestion, which might affect how you feel after eating.
- Nutritional Habits: Skipping meals or relying heavily on liquid calories (like Gatorade) can lead to an imbalance in nutrition and energy levels.
- Other Factors: Stress, mental health conditions, and lifestyle choices (like alcohol and substance use) can also impact appetite and digestion.
Considering your unique situation, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms while also understanding how they relate to your overall health.
Next Steps
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Track Symptoms: Start keeping a food and symptom diary. Note what you eat, how much, and how you feel afterward. This will help identify patterns and potential triggers.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, particularly if you feel dizzy or nauseous when skipping Gatorade or meals.
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Small, Balanced Meals: Try to introduce small portions of balanced meals throughout the day. Include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to help stabilize your energy.
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Limit Irritants: If you're consuming alcohol or recreational substances, consider reducing or eliminating them for a while to see if your symptoms improve.
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Reflect on Medications: If you feel your medications are affecting your appetite, consider discussing this with a healthcare professional when comfortable.
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Monitor Weight Changes: Keep an eye on your weight, both to ensure it’s stabilizing and to identify trends.
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Consider an Appointment: Although you may have concerns about returning to medications, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide valuable insights into whether there are other underlying issues. Mention your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
This approach will empower you to better understand and manage your situation. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking guidance is important for your well-being. Trust your instincts, and prioritize your health. You’re taking a positive step by seeking insights – keep listening to your body!
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