Adherence
Exposure to larger-sized portions, packages, or tableware consistently increases the quantity of food and non-alcoholic beverages selected and consumed by both adults and children.
To reduce food intake without willpower, reduce the size of plates, bowls, and packages you use or buy. Larger containers lead to larger servings. Switching to smaller tableware or buying smaller package sizes is a simple environmental change that reduces consumption.
This review found that people consistently consume more food and drink when offered larger-sized portions, packages or tableware than when offered smaller-sized versions.
Why this rating
Moderate quality evidence for food consumption, but low/very low for shape effects and no evidence for alcohol/tobacco.
Source
Portion, package or tableware size for changing selection and consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco
Gareth J Hollands et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2015
DOI 10.1002/14651858.cd011045.pub2
More from this paper
- Reducing exposure to larger-sized food portions, packages, and tableware could reduce average daily energy intake by 144-228 kcal (8.5-13.5%) in UK children and adults if sustained across the whole diet.Moderate
- Exposure to shorter, wider bottles or glasses (vs. taller, narrower) increases the quantity of non-alcoholic beverages selected and consumed.Weak
- There is no clear evidence that portion, package, or tableware size affects the selection or consumption of alcohol or tobacco products.Weak
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →