Research
Energy balance
The reduction in energy intake from lower energy density meals is linearly related to the change in energy density, with stronger effects in adults than children and in entrée designs compared to preloads.
The calorie-reducing effect of low energy density foods is strongest in adults and when consumed as main meals (entrées). In children, the effect is smaller, and preloads may be less effective than main meals.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
An extended analysis showed a positive linear relationship between ED and energy intake.
Why this rating
Based on subgroup analyses with high heterogeneity in some cases.
Source
Impact of energy density on energy intake in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Bea Klos et al. · European Journal of Nutrition · 2022
DOI 10.1007/s00394-022-03054-z
Meta-analysis · 38 studiesCited 23×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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