The IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) have just published a free PDF report summarising the existing evidence for portion size and consumption behaviour and recommendations for future research. The report includes:
- Literature map of relevant research
- Current gaps in research identified by experts at a stakeholder workshop
- Factors affecting the portion size of food and drink from an industry perspective
- Recommendations for areas of future research
Portion size has received new focus since the UK Government published its calorie reduction pledge in March 2012 under its Public Health Responsibility Deal.
Portion size reduction is one of the suggested mechanics to achieve calorie reduction yet there is a lack of evidence that a specific size reduction will lead to a decrease in overall calorie intake.
This report by IGD’s Industry Nutrition Strategy Group details the current evidence available in relation to portion size of pre-packaged foods and drink and consumption behaviour. The report also documents some of the informal influences of portion size from an industry perspective, obtained from interviews with major manufacturers, retailers and foodservice companies. Based on this information, the report makes recommendations on the research needed to provide the industry with evidence to support any action on portion size aimed at reducing calorie intake
This report will be of interest to academic and research bodies working in areas of nutrition and behaviour studies, those working in other nutrition roles, and those involved in determining portion sizes of products and policies around portion size.
Download the free report here