title: Accuracy of estimation of large food portions.
abstract: To examine accuracy of reporting of large food portions, 50 adults were invited to eat a restaurant meal that included a hamburger patty, french fries, and ice cream. After eating, participants were asked to estimate the amount of food consumed using commonly used and larger-sized food models as a guide. With the use of commonly used models, underreporting was evident for all three foods. For example, the amount of hamburger patty consumed was on average 4.01 oz, although the average amount reported was 3.04 oz (P<.05). When larger-sized models were used, the amount reported more closely matched the amount consumed, although underreporting persisted for the hamburger patty and french fries. In summary, significant underreporting of large food portions may result when commonly used food models are used to assist individuals in reporting food portions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. 2nd Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. harnack@epi.umn.edu
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harnack
authors.forename: Lyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Steffen
authors.forename: Donna K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Arnett
authors.forename: Shujun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Russell V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Luepker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012147:Restaurants; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012858:Size Perception; D014481:United States