Smaller plates, key to fighting obesity
A study by University of Cambridge suggests reducing food portions serves in restaurants, supermarkets, and homes can help fight obesity.
The team reviewed 61 studies and provides the “most conclusive evidence to date” that portion size affects the way people eat. Their results published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews say that people are reluctant to have leftovers on their plates, and if people were served more, they will eat it.
The studies, which followed 6,711 people in different clinical trials, suggest that eliminating “large portions” could cut up to 279 calories a day out of people’s diets.
Dr. Ian Shemilt, from Cambridge’s Behaviour and Health Research Unit, told the BBC News website: “This is the most conclusive evidence to date that people consistently consume more food and drink when given larger portions, packaging or tableware.
“Consumers do have a role to play – for example, all of us can reduce the size of plates or glasses we use and put pressure on the pubs and restaurants we visit by asking for a smaller portion.” he continued.
The team notes that serving sizes in the UK are getting bigger between 1993 and 2013:
- Shepherd’s pie ready meals almost doubled in size
- Bagels increased in size from 70g to 86g
- A family pack of crisps increased 50% from 100g to 150g
- A portion of peanuts is now 80% larger
- An individual chicken pie is now 40% bigger
Source: British Heart Foundation – Portion Distortion report
Prof Brian Ratcliffe, emeritus professor of nutrition at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, said: “People seem to be reluctant to leave or waste food and so consume what they are served or find larger portions more attractive.
