Food portion sizes, obesity, and related metabolic complications in children and adolescents

The purpose of this narrative review is to provide evidence for the impact of food portion sizes on the development of obesity in children and adolescents. Strategies are needed on portion size estimation and on the relationship of portion size with certain health problems such as obesity, insulin resistance, and emotional eating in all age groups, in order to provide information for parents, teachers, and health professionals aiming to promote healthy eating. A wide range of controlled laboratory studies have found that portion size (PS) had the strongest effect on the amount of food consumed. The effect of PS on total energy intake has been already observed with different types of foods and beverages, especially with energy-dense foods. The influence of large PS was persistent and happened regardless of demographic characteristics such as age, gender, income level, or body mass index. Although a direct causal link between PS and obesity remains controversial, some health and dietetics organizations recommend to moderate PS, especially for energy-dense foods. Research studies in both laboratory and free-living contexts are needed to determine the causal link between increased PS, obesity, and related metabolic complications in children and adolescents.

Automated summary

This narrative review provides evidence on the impact of food portion sizes on obesity in children and adolescents. Portion size has a strong effect on food intake, especially with energy-dense foods, and this effect is persistent regardless of demographic characteristics. Further research is needed to determine the causal link between portion size and obesity in order to provide strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.