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Patterns and trends in food portion sizes, 1977-1998
Samara Joy Nielsen1, Barry M Popkin
1Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA.
JAMA
|January 22, 2003
Summary
Food portion sizes and calorie intake have significantly increased across the United States. These increases are most pronounced for foods consumed at fast-food establishments and at home.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Dietary Trends
Background:
- Empirical data on food portion size trends were lacking despite general assumptions of increase.
- Understanding portion size evolution is crucial for public health and dietary guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in food portion sizes consumed in the U.S.
- To examine these trends by eating location (home, restaurant, fast food) and food source.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationally representative data from the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (1977-1978) and the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (1989-1998).
- Analyzed average portion sizes for specific food items (e.g., snacks, desserts, drinks, fast food) across different eating locations.
- Sample included 63,380 individuals aged 2 years and older.
Main Results:
- Food portion sizes increased significantly between 1977 and 1996 for most food categories, both at home and away from home.
- Largest portion increases were observed for salty snacks, soft drinks, hamburgers, french fries, and Mexican food.
- Portion sizes varied by food source, with fast-food establishments serving the largest portions.
Conclusions:
- Portion sizes and associated energy intake have markedly increased for various food types.
- The greatest increases in portion sizes were documented for foods consumed at fast-food establishments and within the home.
- Findings highlight a significant shift in consumption patterns with implications for dietary intake and health.
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