• Intervention
    In adults, how effective (in terms of client adherence and weight loss and maintenance) is reducing portion size as a strategy?
    • Conclusion

      Two randomized controlled trials have shown that portion control at meals and snacks result in weight loss. Since portion control is an important factor in weight management, more research using this strategy is needed.

      Five studies have shown that as portion size increases at a meal, energy intake also increases. Despite an increase in energy intake, increased consumption of food is not associated with feelings of fullness. Furthermore, two studies have shown that increased energy intake at one meal does not result in decreased energy intake at subsequent meals, resulting in a significant increase in daily energy intake.

      Studies have shown no statistically significant associations between portion size variations and subject characteristics, such as sex and BMI. 

    • Grade: III
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.