Portion sizes and policy considerations

In an analysis published in the 2 December issue of the BMJ, the authors of the Cochrane Review of 'Portion, package or tableware size for changing selection and consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco' consider the policy implications of the review's findings. The Cochrane Review, published in September 2015, found significant evidence that people consume more food or non-alcoholic drinks when offered larger sized portions or when they use larger items of tableware.

Related resources and media coverage

"Downsizing: policy options to reduce portion sizes to help tackle obesity" (BMJ, 2 December 2015)

 

Plain language summary

Full Cochrane Review

Press release

"Obesity: Selling smaller food portions could solve crisis, say scientists", (Independent, 3 December 2015)

Cochrane Review author Therese Marteau talks to Radio 5 Live (segment starts at 39:00 - BBC, 3 December 2015)

Sugar reduction: the evidence for action (Report from Public Health England, released October 2015; cites review findings in support of policy recommendations to the UK Department of Health)

"Bigger plates and servings mean people eat more" (The New York Times)

"Don't go large! New evidence on portion size" (Cochrane UK/Evidently Cochrane)

"Let's talk about portion size and overeating" (Cochrane UK/Evidently Cochrane)

"Portion size key in tackling obesity, says study" (BBC News)

 

Monday, December 7, 2015