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The Influence of Portion Size and Timing of Meals on Weight Balance and Obesity

  • Etiology of Obesity (T Gill, Section Editor)
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Abstract

This review focuses on the influence of portion size and temporal distribution of food intake on weight balance and obesity in adults. The inconsistency of definitions in the area of meal patterns is also discussed. The conclusion is that regular eating habits might facilitate weight balance, while unplanned snacking as well as consuming the major part of the energy intake at the end of the day seem to be unfavourable. Altogether, the research suggests that large portions promote over-consumption and, therefore, limiting portion size of energy dense foods and drinks with added sugar could be recommended. Even if more research is needed, these factors should be taken into consideration in recommendations for obesity prevention.

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Christina Berg and Heléne Bertéus Forslund declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Box 300, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Christina Berg

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Heléne Bertéus Forslund

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  1. Christina Berg
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Correspondence to Christina Berg.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Etiology of Obesity

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Berg, C., Forslund, H.B. The Influence of Portion Size and Timing of Meals on Weight Balance and Obesity. Curr Obes Rep 4, 11–18 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-015-0138-y

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