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According to a study reported at American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children ate more when given large portions of food than when they were offered age-appropriate helpings or when they serve themselves. This was based on a study of 30 preschoolers.

Result showed children ate about 25% more of the serving and took 15% more calories when served the double helping of cheese and macaroni. Their bites were also bigger when served bigger servings.

However, when they were allowed to serve themselves, they ate 24% lesser than when served super size portions.

The researchers also noticed that few of the children seemed to notice a difference in the sizes of their helpings.

The researchers concluded that parents should be educated about appropriate sizes of servings for children as well as the importance of allowing children to self regulate their helpings.

Reference: AAP News, September 2003, page 94

Comment: Overweight problem in children should be a national health priority to be solved. About 30% of our children are now overweight. These children will become overweight adults who will be high risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and other nasty chronic health problems. Let us start accepting that we have a national health problem that is silent, childhood obesity.

Leo Leonidas, MD, FAAP

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