Perception of satiation among college students using a Visual Analog Scale of Hunger and Satiation based on the Hunger Scale

Abstract

Introduction: In nutrition, appetite assessment focuses on understanding how individuals perceive their feelings of hunger and satiation in relation to food intake. Visual Analog Scales are useful tools to record this subjective experience and describe perceived appetite responses in different contexts. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 84 apparently healthy university students aged 18 to 25 years, with the objective of evaluating the subjective perception of hunger and satiation using an adapted Visual Analog Scale. Participants were divided into three groups according to the food consumed: drinkable yogurt, yogurt with walnuts, and yogurt with fruit. The scale, with values ranging from 0 to 10 and supported by graphic representations and descriptions of sensations, was applied before food consumption, immediately after intake, and 15 minutes postprandially. Additionally, sociodemographic data, estimated weight and height, type of food, and amount consumed were recorded. Results: The final sample consisted of 78 university students, mostly women (76.9%), with a mean age of 21 ± 2 years and a mean BMI of 22.65 ± 6.68 kg/m2. At baseline, participants reported scores between 3 and 4, corresponding to moderate or mild hunger. After food consumption, the score increased to 7 in all three groups, indicating a state of satiation. At 15 minutes postprandially, satiation remained stable in the drinkable yogurt and yogurt with apple groups, while the yogurt with walnuts group increased to a score of 8, corresponding to “very satisfied.” Overall, the results show a shift from mild to moderate hunger toward satiation after food consumption, highlighting a greater perception of satiation in the group that consumed yogurt with walnuts. Conclusion: The subjective perception of hunger and satiation in university students was described using an adapted scale that was practical and easy to understand. Participants shifted from mild to moderate hunger levels to states of satisfaction after food consumption, maintaining this perception 15 minutes postprandially. The group that consumed yogurt with walnuts showed a greater perception of fullness, reaching levels of “very satisfied.” Overall, the scale proved to be a useful tool for qualitatively assessing appetite in university students within a real academic setting.