The portion size effect and overconsumption – towards downsizing solutions for children and adolescents – An update

The portion size effect (PSE), where more is eaten when large amounts are offered, is robust, reliable and enduring. Although it is not known what drives the PSE, amount served may act as a guide to how much should be eaten. Over time, consumers become accustomed to particular amounts of food as the ‘social norm’ and so large portion sizes are treated as typical. For children and adolescents who are forming eating habits, long‐term exposure to large portion sizes of snacks and meal items may encourage overconsumption. Therefore, offering smaller portions to suit the age and stage of children and young people should offer a potential solution to the PSE. We have developed a series of downsizing strategies to test the effect of providing smaller portions of snacks and meal items in pre‐school children, adolescents and families. One potential consequence of downsizing is that compensation may occur, in which smaller portion sizes drive intake of other foods. Therefore, in examining downsizing strategies, measures of compensation elsewhere in the meal or across the overall diet are important. Our studies indicate that it is both feasible and desirable to offer ‘me‐sized’, smaller portions for children to facilitate portion control as food preferences and eating habits are developed. However, strategies for young adults and adolescents are more challenging and require further investigation.