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Environmental strategies for portion control in children.
Thomas N Robinson1, Donna M Matheson1
1Solutions Science Lab, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1265 Welch Road, MSOB X129, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Appetite
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Large food portions increase food and energy intake. Environmental strategies like smaller dishware and reduced screen time can improve portion control in children, aiding obesity prevention.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Larger food portions are linked to increased energy intake.
- Children and adults struggle with accurate portion estimation and control.
- Obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly in childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify environmental strategies for improving portion control in children.
- To explore interventions that may aid in obesity prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory and field studies on portion size effects.
- Identification of five promising environmental strategies for portion control.
- Proposal for further experimental research in real-world settings.
Main Results:
- Laboratory and field studies consistently show larger portions increase food and energy intake.
- Limited self-estimation and control abilities in children and adults regarding food portions.
- Five environmental strategies show promise: smaller drinkware/dishware, rimmed plates, and reduced screen time during meals.
Conclusions:
- Environmental modifications can potentially enhance portion control in children.
- Strategies include altering tableware and reducing screen time during eating.
- Further real-world research is crucial to validate these interventions for obesity management.
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