Portion Size and the Obesity Epidemic

Tanja V.E. Kral, Barbara Jean Rolls

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter considers whether portion size plays a role in the etiology of obesity. The portion size of an amorphous food can significantly affect energy intake in adults. Intake of beverages is influenced by the portion served. The availability of large portions of food and beverages over a number of days is connected with a sustained increase in energy intake. Changes in the portion size and energy density of foods do indicate potential to be used either independently or in combination to counter overconsumption without adversely affecting sensations of hunger and fullness. The dietary and food marketing strategies that can moderate portion-size effects on energy intake include promotion of consumer education and awareness, food labels and point-of-purchase information, value size pricing, package size, and portion-controlled packaging; serving larger portions of healthy foods; reducing portion size and energy density; and improvement of the nutrition knowledge of restaurant chefs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of the Social Science of Obesity
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780199940684
ISBN (Print)9780199736362
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 18 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Portion Size and the Obesity Epidemic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this