Some food portions two to seven larger than the recommended size

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Wednesday, January 12, 2005 7:15 am Email this article
Today's food portions are often 2 to 7 times the standard portion size according to a recent study. Larger portions increase calorie intake

Research has shown that larger portions lead to an increase in calorie intake.

Bagels 2 times bigger

Bagels were found to be twice as big as the standard portion size.

Muffins 2.2 times bigger

Muffins were 2.2 times their original size.

Steaks 3.3 times bigger

Steaks were 3.3 times the recommended portion size.

Cooked pasta 4.8 times bigger

A portion of cooked pasta was 4.8 times the recommended portion.

Hamburgers and french fries 2-5 times bigger

Hamburgers and french fries were 2 to 5 times larger than the standard portions.

Cookies 7 times bigger

Cookies were as much as 7 times as large as a normal cookie.

Portions increased in the 1970, sharply in the 1980’s

Portions started increasing in the 1970’s according to the paper, and then increased sharply in the 1980’s and have continued to increase.

REFERENCE

Young L, Nestle M. The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the us obesity epidemic. Am J Public Health. 2002 Feb, 92(2):246-49.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Lisa Young
Department of Nutrition and Food Studies
New York University
New York City, 10012-1172, USA
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