Inreasing portion sizes - a problem for the regulation of food intake

Abstract

Portion sizes of food sold in supermarkets and of meals served in fast-food restaurants have increased for some years. This supersizing trend which is due to value thinking leads to increased energy intake by people whose food intake is controlled by external stimuli. Increased energy intake leads to overweight and obesity. The connection between portion sizes and weight gain is an important subject for nutrition counselling; patients should be carefully instructed about the dangers lurking in supermarkets and fast-food restaurants.