Potential moderators of the portion size effect

Abstract

Aim: The robust effect of portion size on intake has led to growing interest in why individuals consume more food when served larger portions. A number of explanations have been proposed, and this review aims to provide insight into potential underlying factors by summarizing recent studies testing moderators of the portion size effect. Summary of findings: Provision of portion size information, such as through labeling or training in portion control, failed to attenuate food intake in response to increasing meal size. This indicates that a lack of knowledge about appropriate portions may not be sufficient to explain the portion size effect. In contrast, there is evidence for a role of decision making in the response to large portions, with value being one consideration of importance. The portion size effect may be more closely related to the inherent value of food than monetary value, since provision of the opportunity to take away uneaten food after a meal, which can reduce food waste, attenuated the portion size effect but variations in pricing did not. A number of studies also support an influence of orosensory processing on the portion size effect; large portions have been shown to relate to increased bite size and faster eating rate. Reduced oral processing time when consuming large portions could contribute to the effect by delaying sensory-specific satiety. Findings from a recent study supported this by demonstrating that sensory-specific satiety did not differ between larger and smaller portions despite substantial differences in intake. Conclusions: A number of moderators of the portion size effect have been identified, including factors related to the environment, the food, and the individual. It is likely that multiple variables contribute to the response to large portions. Future research should aim to determine the relative contribution of explanatory variables across different contexts and individuals.

Served Portion Sizes Affect Later Food Intake Through Social Consumption Norms

“…Thus, changes to portion sizes in the environment have potential downstream consequences beyond a single eating occasion [7,8]. However, relatively little is known about the mechanism responsible for this effect [9].…”

The portion size effect and overconsumption – towards downsizing solutions for children and adolescents – An update

“…Portion size has been identified as a potential contributor to the overconsumption of high energy density (HED) foods (Zuraikat et al . ). Laboratory based, systematic studies with adults have demonstrated that providing large portions of energy dense foods promotes greater energy intake relative to small portions (Rolls et al .…”

“…Food environments presenting consumers with large sizes of highly liked, HED foods may encourage overconsumption (Zuraikat et al . ).…”

“…enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness) characteristics of the consumer, as well as prevailing social norms (see Zuraikat et al . for a review). In general, the PSE is greater for HED than for low energy density (LED) foods; HED foods tend to be more liked than LED and so the PSE is greater for foods which are highly liked.…”

Maternal Decisions on Portion Size and Portion Control Strategies for Snacks in Preschool Children

“…Young children consume larger quantities of food in the presence of larger food portion sizes, which may be attributable to social norms, visual cues, or changes in the microstructure of eating [1]. This is known as the portion size effect (PSE).…”