How Long Does It Take to Digest Food

Proteins and fats

Fats and proteins move through your body at a slower rate, increasing the amount of time you feel full. "This is because proteins and fats are complex compounds that require more steps to be broken down," notes Burgess. "Fats, in particular, take longer to digest because they don't dissolve in water, which means an additional substance, bile, is needed for their digestion," she adds.