White rice digests quickly in your body, causing a chain reaction of increasing insulin levels, fat accumulation, and an expanding waistline over time. White rice, like a refined grain, also has a low degree of satiety. That means you're not full after eating it, so you want more later on! Brown rice takes longer to digest, which causes insulin levels to rise less rapidly and significantly increases the feeling of fullness compared to white rice. This is why people who eat brown rice have fewer cravings later on. So, yes, cooked rice does expand in your stomach. This is why it's important to include it in your diet only when you need to gain weight - not as part of your regular meal plan.