Reducing portion sizes at home, in restaurants and from supermarkets could help to significantly reduce obesity rates, according to a new study.
NHS figures show that obesity affects around one in every four adults and one in every five children aged between ten and 11 in the UK. It's known that being overweight or obese can increase the risk of serious health implications, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge set out to investigate the relationship between portion size and obesity.
For the study, they analysed 61 studies involving 6,711 people and found that offering food and drink on smaller plates, glasses and cutlery helped them to eat less.It also found that when participants were offered more food they ate it, and were reluctant to leave a plate that had food left on it.The researchers noted that by cutting out large portions, up to 279 calories a day were eliminated from the participants' diets.
Speaking to BBC News, Ian Shemilt - lead researcher at the university - said: "This is the most conclusive evidence to date that people consistently consume more food and drink when given larger portions, packaging or tableware."
Consumers do have a role to play - for example, all of us can reduce the size of plates or glasses we use and put pressure on the pubs and restaurants we visit by asking for a smaller portion.
The researchers also urge the government to take action and encourage the distribution of smaller packs of food to offer better value for money and to help individuals to lose weight.
Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, added: "This study clearly demonstrates that reducing portion sizes is a successful way to cut calories.'It's important to keep an eye on portion sizes when cooking, shopping and eating out to avoid overeating and help maintain a healthy weight."
The study has been published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.