 The effects of diet on gastrointestinal function are debated and the efficacy of dietary management for digestive symptoms has not been established. Epidemiological studies suggest an effect; however, it is not possible to distinguish the effects of fat intake and total energy i.e. calorie intake in this work. This issue has been addressed by small physiological studies. The results show that esophageal acid exposure was related to total calorie intake but not to fat content. In contrast, the number of reflux symptoms was 40 higher after the high-fat than the low-fat meals. Similar findings were found for the relationship between gastric distension, fullness and dyspeptic symptoms by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Thus, it appears that fat does not cause digestive dysmotility but heightens sensitivity to visceral events and so increases the number and severity of symptoms reported by patients. As yet, these findings have not been confirmed in larger, more representative surveys. 