SEP and the Impact of Portion Size on Daily Energy Intake

Reducing food portion size is a potential strategy to reduce energy intake. There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with lower socioeconomic position (SEP) intend to eat more from larger portions, suggesting that the effect of portion size on food intake might vary by SEP. However, no study has tested this by measuring actual food intake. This study examines whether reductions to the portion size of components of a main meal will reduce daily energy intake, and whether and how socioeconomic position (higher vs lower) moderates the portion size effect.

In a crossover experiment, participants will be served all meals in the lab on two separate days, with the portion size of main meal components at lunch and dinner manipulated (i.e. smaller on one day vs larger on the other day). All other foods offered are identical. Food intake from the portion-manipulated lunch and dinner, as well as all other meal components (breakfast, dessert, seconds, snacks) will be measured, and any additional food consumed by the participant will be measured using self-report, giving total daily energy intake (kcal).