This review discussed the influence of solid and liquid foods on food intake, based on a critical review of the subject. The main national and international health databases, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs and SciELO, were searched. Publications from 1980 to 2008 were included. The findings showed that the physical nature of the food can influence food intake, both in the short term and long term, with liquids being less satiating than solids. The possible mechanisms involved on this impaired satiety response to liquids are: absence of mastication, short cephalic phase, faster gastric emptying and cognitive factors. In conclusion, liquid foods, especially calorie-containing beverages, should be consumed in moderation in order to prevent and treat obesity.
Appetite; Hunger; Obesity; Satiety response; Viscosity
