The role of portion sizes in our diet

Thursday 19 June 2008

The Agency has today published the findings of a workshop and a report, which consider how changes in portion sizes of everyday foods have affected people's energy intake, weight gain and diet.

The report concluded that the sizes of some fast foods and ready meals have increased in the UK during the past 15 years. However, there is also a wider choice of portion sizes available.

The expert workshop, chaired by Dr Susan Jebb, head of nutrition and health research at the Medical Research Council, explored the relationship between portion size, energy intake and weight gain. An independent report reviewing the research and information available on portion size had been commissioned to support the workshop.

Corinne Vaughan, Deputy Head of Nutrition at the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘The evidence relating to portion size, energy intake and weight gain is complex and evolving.

'We welcome the recommendations of the academic workshop which lend further support to the Agency’s programme of work. We will be discussing our next steps and what further actions are needed in this area more fully in the autumn with industry, public health and consumer groups.

‘Future work in this area will need to be practical, and make a positive contribution to help people eat a more balanced diet.’

This work forms part of the Agency's saturated fat and energy intake programme, which aims to make it easier for us all to achieve a more balanced diet. The Agency is committed to helping people reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diets and is working with the food industry to make energy dense foods available in smaller portions and reformulate a range of foods, as well as promoting options to help consumers make healthier choices.

The key areas identified for further advice and action were the portion sizes of foods that contribute most to people’s saturated fat intakes and the sizes of single servings of sweet and savoury snacks and sugary drinks. An industry and consumer forum will be held in the autumn to agree future steps to help people reduce their calorie intakes.