A recent study shows that larger portions lead to greater energy intake, meaning, larger the amount of food, greater the amount that is eaten. Researchers also studied whether the response to portion size differed depending on who determined the amount of food on the plate.
The study was carried out with 50 men and women who were served lunch one day a week for four weeks. While one group was given a specific portion size, the other was allowed to take what they wanted. The researchers found that those who took the largest portions consumed 30-percent more energy than those who were offered the smaller amount. The researchers who also queried the subjects on hunger and satisfaction levels after each meal found that portion size influences the development of hunger and being satisfied.The researchers added that when offered bigger portions, subjects ate a larger amount before they reached satisfaction. The study thus concluded that the energy intake was higher when the portion size is larger, irrespective of the serving method and other subject characteristics. The authors of the study said that the study assumed significance as portion size is a modifiable factor of energy intake which could be effectively addressed in the prevention and treatment of obesity.
