How do patients with eating disorders perceive and evaluate food portion sizes? A systematic review. (21st June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dörsam, Annica Franziska; Mack, Isabelle; Kögel, Laura; Zipfel, Stephan; Giel, Katrin Elisabeth
• Is Part Of: European eating disorders review. Volume 28:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 398
• Page End: 409
• Publication Date: 2020-06-21
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa -- eating disorders -- estimation -- food portion -- perception -- portion size; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/erv.2743
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-4133

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The selection of adequate portion sizes plays a key role in the nutritional treatment of eating disorders (EDs). There is limited knowledge concerning the estimation of portion sizes in individuals with EDs. Method: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement to synthesise current evidence in this field. Of N = 584 hits, four full‐texts were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: While patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) tend to overestimate the size of energy‐dense food items and small to medium sized meal portions, they do not show a different estimation compared to healthy controls when judging the amount of food pieces. Large portion sizes were associated with increased anxiety in patients with AN. Discussion: The overestimation of food portion sizes seems to be driven by attitudinal and/or higher cognitive factors associated with AN. Differences between the studies are discussed and suggestions for future studies are given.