Using plate mapping to examine portion size and plate composition for large and small divided plates

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Behavioral Science
• Food Psychology

Background:

• Plate size is a potential environmental factor influencing food intake.
• Understanding how plate dimensions affect portion control and meal composition is crucial for public health interventions.
• Previous research has not fully explored the differential impact of plate size on various food types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether plate size influences overall portion size and the relative proportions of different food groups (meat vs. vegetables).
• To examine potential sex-based differences in response to plate size variations.
• To assess the utility of the plate mapping method in studying portion control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel plate mapping technique where 109 university students visually represented their meals on paper plates.
• Compared portion sizes and meal composition between small and large three-compartment divided plates.
• Analyzed the total drawn meal area and specific food group areas (meat, vegetables).

Main Results:

• The total area of the drawn meal was 37% larger on large plates compared to small plates.
• Plate size did not alter the proportion of the plate covered by food.
• Both men and women drew larger vegetable portions on large plates; men specifically drew larger meat portions on large plates.

Conclusions:

• Plate size influences overall meal portion size and differentially affects the serving of specific food groups like vegetables and meat.
• Individuals, particularly men and women, exhibit differential sensitivity to plate size, impacting both total intake and meal composition.
• Plate size represents a modifiable factor with potential implications for strategies aimed at reducing portion sizes and improving dietary balance.