Effects of a Web-based food portion training program on food portion estimation.
OBJECTIVE
Assess the effects of a prototype computerized food portion tutorial (CFPT).


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to estimate portion sizes for selected food items either prior to or following CFPT training (between groups), and those estimating before CFPT training re-estimated portions after training (within groups).


METHODS
Research offices.


METHODS
Seventy-six adult participants without dietary restrictions.


METHODS
The CFPT is a Web-based food portion training program that displays varied portions of 23 food items with user-controllable reference objects and viewing angles.


METHODS
Estimated vs. weighed portions of food items selected for a meal.


METHODS
Nonparametric tests were performed on estimated vs. weighed portion differences and on accuracy ratios between and within groups.


RESULTS
A significant difference was found between conditions, both within and between groups, on the discrepancy between estimated and weighed portions for a number of the food items. Training exposure, however, resulted primarily in a shift from underestimation to overestimation, not more accurate estimation.


CONCLUSIONS
The CFPT produced a significant impact on food portion estimation but appeared to sensitize participants to underestimation errors, leading to overestimation errors. Computerization of food portion training programs holds promise for providing cost-efficient portion estimation training but requires further development and evaluation before being considered for clinical use.
Riley
William T
WT
PICS Inc. Reston, Virginia, USA. wriley@mail.nih.gov
Beasley
Jeannette
J
Sowell
Allison
A
Behar
Albert
A
D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D012858:Size Perception; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric