Effect of plate size on meal energy intake in normal weight women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Use of smaller plates to control food intake is a commonly recommended strategy for restricting energy intake, despite conflicting results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether or not three different sizes of plates influence energy intake during a multi-itemed buffet meal in normal weight women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a cross-over study conducted on 37 female participants aged 19-25 years with normal BMI levels. Participants were recruited from Hacettepe University and the surrounding community. On experimental days, participants ate a standard breakfast and were then randomly assigned to eat lunch using a small (19 cm), medium (23 cm), or large (28 cm) diameter plate. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on sensory and satiety outcomes were measured for all meals. Energy and macronutrient intakes during lunch were recorded. RESULTS: There was no evidence that use of a smaller plate size reduced energy or specific macronutrient intake during the free choice lunch meal. Multiple visits to the serving table were not associated with energy or macronutrient intake. Plate size did not affect VAS scores during the test days. CONCLUSIONS: Plate size did not influence energy intake, meal composition, or palatability in normal weight women during a multi-itemed open buffet lunch. Studies in natural settings at the population level are needed to clarify current outcomes.

Methodology of national Turkey nutrition and health survey [tnhs] - 2010

The purpose of this paper is to explain the methodology of National Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey [TNHS] - 2010. The survey was conducted with the aim of providing the necessary data on nutrition and health to plan and develop related food, nutrition and health policies in Turkey and the study was conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital. TNHS sample was designed as a weighted, multi-stage, stratified cluster sample. To stratify the sample, TNHS adopted the stratification approach used in the 2008 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey that allows making estimates nation-wide and for the 5 regions, the 12 NUTS-1 regions, and the 7 metropolitans. Survey provided detailed information on dietary intake, physical examination including clinical and biochemical variables, physical activity status and anthropometric measurements. The survey sample was designed to represent the population of Turkey in age groups of 0-5 and >/= 6 years, the baseline nutrition and health status and blood and urine tests of >/= 6 year-old individuals.