Do food provisions packaged in single-servings reduce energy intake at breakfast during a brief behavioral weight loss intervention?

摘要

Larger portion sizes increase energy intake, yet it is unclear if single-serving packages can reduce intake. This study examined the effect of providing breakfast foods in single-serving packages or in non-portioned packages on energy intake of these foods during an 8-week behavioral weight loss program. In fall 2005, 19 adults (mean body mass index [BMI] = 31.8 ± 4.0) were randomized to conditions that provided foods in single-serving packages (SINGLE-SERVING) or in non-portioned packages (STANDARD). Overall amounts and types of foods provided were consistent across conditions: cereal and peaches (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7) and applesauce and cheese (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8). Participants were instructed to eat one serving of each food for breakfast and to not consume the provided foods at other times. Mean daily energy intake of the provided foods was the primary dependent variable. SINGLE-SERVING ate less energy from the combined pairs of foods provided together as compared to STANDARD [(cereal + peaches, 117.0 ± 3.2 kcal/day vs. 143.5 ± 39.3 kcal/day; p<0.05) (applesauce + cheese, 174.2 ± 13.5 kcal/day vs. 199.0 ± 29.4 kcal/day; p<0.05)]. This effect was due to less energy consumed from cereal and applesauce in SINGLE-SERVING compared to STANDARD [(cereal, 80.2 ± 2.9 kcal/day vs. 106.3 ± 22.9 kcal/day; p<0.01) (applesauce, 44.5 ± 0.6 kcal/day vs. 59.3 ± 5.0 kcal/day; p<0.01)], with no differences in energy consumption for peaches and cheese (p>0.10). This suggests single-serving packages may help reduce energy intake at breakfast within the context of a behavioral weight control program.