title: Acceptability and potential effectiveness of commercial portion control tools amongst people with obesity.
abstract: Exposure to large portion sizes is a risk factor for obesity. Specifically designed tableware may modulate how much is eaten and help with portion control. We examined the experience of using a guided crockery set (CS) and a calibrated serving spoon set (SS) by individuals trying to manage their weight. Twenty-nine obese adults who had completed 7-12 weeks of a community weight-loss programme were invited to use both tools for 2 weeks each, in a crossover design, with minimal health professional contact. A paper-based questionnaire was used to collect data on acceptance, perceived changes in portion size, frequency, and type of meal when the tool was used. Scores describing acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness were derived from five-point Likert scales from which binary indicators (high/low) were analysed using logistic regression. Mean acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness were moderate to high (3·7-4·4 points). Tool type did not have an impact on indicators of acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness (P>0·32 for all comparisons); 55 % of participants used the CS on most days v. 21 % for the SS. The CS was used for all meals, whereas the SS was mostly used for evening meals. Self-selected portion sizes increased for vegetables and decreased for chips and potatoes with both tools. Participants rated both tools as equally acceptable, easy to use and with similar perceived effectiveness. Formal trials to evaluate the impact of such tools on weight control are warranted.
authors.affiliation: 1MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory,Cambridge,CB1 9NL,UK.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Almiron-Roig
authors.affiliation: 1MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory,Cambridge,CB1 9NL,UK.
authors.forename: Angélica
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Domínguez
authors.affiliation: 3Department of Food and Tourism Management,Manchester Metropolitan University,Manchester,M15 6BH,UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vaughan
authors.affiliation: 1MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory,Cambridge,CB1 9NL,UK.
authors.forename: Ivonne
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Solis-Trapala
authors.affiliation: 1MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory,Cambridge,CB1 9NL,UK.
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jebb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002138:Calibration; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000191:economics; D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils / Q000191:economics; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D000072001:Diet, Healthy / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics; D064787:Portion Size / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D057566:Self Report; D006113:United Kingdom; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs
keywords:  CS crockery set;  LWMS Lifestyle and Weight Management Services;  NHS National Health Service;  SS spoon set; Calibrated serving spoons; Calibrated tableware; Portion control tools; Portion size