Why Might I Feel a Sense of Fullness in My Stomach Even When I Haven't Eaten?

Sometimes a full feeling in your stomach happens when gas builds up inside your belly. When air or gas collects, it makes the stomach feel heavy and bloated, even if you haven’t had much to eat. This is a common symptom of abdominal bloating and distension. In some cases, the stomach or intestines may not move food or air along as quickly as they should—a condition called delayed gastric emptying—which can also make you feel full. In addition, changes in the balance of the bacteria in your gut or certain foods you eat can lead to extra gas. Stress or irregular eating habits can sometimes worsen the problem too. Talking with a doctor about these symptoms is a good idea so that they can help figure out what might be causing your discomfort and suggest ways to help you feel better.