Smell of food can influence feeling of fullness

December 30, 2009 Everyone knows great scents can arouse the appetite. But, apparently, molecules that make up a food's aroma can also activate areas of the brain that trigger the feeling of fullness.

Among the results: scents linked with carbohydrates and protein significantly increased the feeling of fullness.

These findings could help researchers develop a new generation of foods that fight overeating and obesity.

The findings are published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.