Forefronts in portion size. An overview and synthesis of a roundtable discussion. (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, J.O.; Goran, M.I.; Rowe, S.; Hetherington, M.M.
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 88(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Portion size -- Consumer impact -- Prevention -- Children -- Families; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.11.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Highlights: Appropriate portion sizes are important to the prevention of obesity in children. Large portion sizes promote high meal and total energy intakes. Response to portion size in children reflects biological and social influences. Parents adopt a variety of strategies around portion size when feeding children. Evidence-based guidance to support healthy child portion sizes is needed. Abstract: Establishing eating habits in early life that include appropriate portion sizes of foods which are nutrient dense and low in energy density is considered important in the prevention of obesity in children. This special supplement presents the proceedings of a symposium focusing on advances in scientific understanding of the development of healthy food portion sizes in children and their families. Recent basic research highlights individual differences in children's responsiveness to portion size as well as potential mechanisms of portion size effects. Quantitative approaches highlight the influence of maternal serving in determining intake, while qualitative approaches seek to elaborate caregiver decisions around child portion sizes at meals and snacks. Family-based environmental interventions for child weight control involving food portion size are outlined. An overview of the overarching issues and roundtable discussion on the forefronts of portion size research are presented as well as policy considerations to promote healthy portion control.