title: Using a smaller dining plate does not suppress food intake from a buffet lunch meal in overweight, unrestrained women.
abstract: The aim of the study was to determine whether plate size affects ad libitum energy intake (EI) at a buffet-style lunch in overweight, yet unrestrained women. Twenty overweight/obese (BMI=25-40 kg/m(2)) women attended two study visits, and were randomly assigned to small (19.5 cm) or large (26.5 cm) diameter plate size at a free choice lunch meal. At 9 am participants were given a small (0.5 MJ) breakfast, followed at 12 noon by the lunch meal from which they ate ad lib until comfortably full. Mean (SEM) EI at lunch was 3975 (239)kJ and 3901 (249) kJ respectively for small and large plate size. There was no detectable difference in EI between the two plate sizes (P>0.05). When in a raised state of hunger and offered a palatable buffet meal, altering the diameter of the dining plate onto which food was self-served did not significantly alter ad lib EI. We conclude there was no evidence that a smaller plate suppressed EI in a group of unrestrained, overweight women encouraged to eat to appetite from a wide choice of items. Whether plate size is a useful cue for portion size, and hence control of EI, in individuals actively restricting intake however remains possible, and requires investigation.
authors.affiliation: Human Nutrition Unit, University of Auckland, 18 Carrick Place, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Wilson
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yip
authors.forename: Katy R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Wiessing
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Budgett
authors.forename: Sally D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Poppitt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D062409:Lunch; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D012527:Satiation
keywords: Ad libitum intake; Appetite; Energy intake; Overweight; Plate size; Women