The consumption of larger food portion size(s) (PS) can result in overconsumption and a reduced
ability to self-regulate appetite, which has been implicated in the rising prevalence of childhood
obesity globally (1). Larger PS of food have sustained effects on energy intake in children (2–4), which
has been attributed to the ‘portion size effect’, where more food is consumed when larger
quantities are offered (4). This study aimed to explore 3 different PS of a breakfast meal on
consumption and satiety levels of children aged 7-10 years.
Parents with their children (n 25) were invited to participate in a within-subject, repeated
measures, randomised cross-over study, to compare the PS of a typically consumed breakfast
meal (ready-to-eat breakfast cereal [flakes, puffed rice or hoops] with milk) consumed by children
under three different PS conditions: self-serve (SS) of typical PS; <25% than SS, and; >25% than
SS, with at least 3 days between each experimental PS condition. The children were provided with
a 10cm visual analogue scale to rate satiety post-consumption. Repeated measures ANOVA was
used to assess differences between the PS consumed and satiety ratings, with paired samples ttests used to compare differences between PS conditions.
Total PS of the breakfast meal consumed was greatest in the SS condition, followed by the >25%
than SS with the least PS consumed in the <25% than SS (165.0±72.0g, 138.2±83.3g and
126.0±77.9g respectively, p=0.011). A significantly higher proportion of the breakfast meal was also
consumed in the SS condition compared to both manipulated conditions - SS vs <25% than SS
(84.2±19.9% vs 77.2±24.7%, p=0.030), SS vs >25% than SS (84.2±19.9% vs68.9±28.9%, p<0.001),
with a significantly higher proportion consumed in the <25% vs >25% than SS
(77.2±24.7% vs 68.9±28.9%, p=0.027). Post-consumption, children reported feeling ‘least satisfied’
in the SS condition compared to both other conditions (6.2±2.5cm in SS, 7.5±2.1cm in <25% than
SS condition, 7.9±2.1cm in the >25% than SS condition, p=0.011).
In this exploratory study, children aged 7 to 10 years did not consume a larger amount of food in
response to exposure to larger PS. Results suggest that the presentation of smaller PS resulted in
higher satiety ratings post-consumption, highlighting the potential of downsizing as a strategy for
portion control in children of this age, where needed.


OC52 - The effects of different portion sizes on child food consumption and satiety: an exploratory study

Unique to the new Congress (previously the Summer Conference) is that you will have greater opportunity to engage with more nutrition science than ever before. In 2024 the core programme will be delivered by the Irish Section of The Nutrition Society, supported by the Science Committee. The theme of these symposia will be ‘new data – focused approaches and challenges’. Outside of the core programme you will have the chance to hear the latest research from the Society’s partner organisations, universities, the private sector and more, on a diverse range of research.