Volumetrics and Energy Density

How food volume and water content affect satiety.

What the evidence says

  • Rolls’s volumetrics work describes people eating a consistent weight of food, so choosing lower-energy-density foods satisfies that volume with fewer calories — the source says weight, and it does not claim intake is independent of calories[1]
  • Low energy-density foods (high water, high fiber) provide satiety with fewer calories[1]
  • High-volume, low-calorie foods prevent overeating by filling the stomach[1]
  • Vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich foods are satisfying; calorie-dense snacks are not[1]
  • Water content correlates positively with satiety, as does serving weight — a whole-food property rather than a nutrient[2]